Description
Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a vibrant holiday side dish that masterfully combines the tartness of fresh apples and dried cranberries with savory herbs and tender bread. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory flavors, this stuffing offers a delightful textural contrast and works beautifully as both a stuffing and a standalone side. Ideal for festive meals, it is easy to customize and brings a fresh seasonal flair to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 medium fresh apples, diced (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Liquids and Fats
- 2 cups warm vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Warm spices like 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Fruit: Cube the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch each. Dice the apples into small pieces ensuring they’re not too large to blend well with the bread. If you prefer plumper cranberries, soak the dried cranberries briefly in warm water or broth and drain.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, and parsley near the end of cooking to release their aromas without burning.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables and herbs, diced apples, dried cranberries, and optional nuts or spices. Pour warm broth gradually over the mixture, gently stirring to moisten the bread without soaking it completely.
- Season and Bake: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer it to a buttered baking dish or oven-safe skillet, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to ensure the cubes absorb liquid well without becoming mushy.
- Lightly toasting the bread before combining enhances texture and adds crunch.
- Add broth gradually to avoid sogginess, stirring gently so the bread evenly soaks it up.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter flavors compared to dried.
- Allow the stuffing to rest slightly after baking for flavors to meld and texture to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, Thanksgiving side, apple cranberry side dish, gluten free stuffing, savory sweet stuffing
