Apple Cranberry Stuffing is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Imagine biting into tender bread mixed with juicy apples, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner is served. Cranberry Orange Muffins This dish isn’t just a side; it’s an experience that elevates any meal to festive heights.
Picture this: the family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as they savor each bite of this delightful stuffing. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, or any occasion where comfort food reigns supreme. Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Trust me; once you try this Apple Cranberry Stuffing, you’ll be daydreaming about it long after the last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Apple Cranberry Stuffing is easy to prepare, making it beginner-friendly while still impressing seasoned chefs. The unique blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful taste explosion. Its vibrant colors and textures will make your dinner table pop with visual appeal. Versatile enough for various occasions and easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes. [/info_box]
Every Thanksgiving, my aunt would whip up her famous stuffing. The first time I tried it, I felt like I had stepped into a flavor paradise, making me forget all about the turkey.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Stale Bread: Use crusty bread for texture; it absorbs flavors beautifully without becoming soggy.
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Fresh Apples: Choose a sweet variety like Honeycrisp for perfect balance with tart cranberries. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots recipe.
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Dried Cranberries: Look for plump cranberries; they add a lovely sweetness and chewy texture.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion brings savory depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
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Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness; don’t skip it!
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Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while ensuring flavor.
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Sage and Thyme: Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor profile; use generously!
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Butter: Melted butter adds richness; feel free to substitute with olive oil if desired. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut stale bread into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and celery, stirring until soft and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
Add Apples and Cranberries : Toss in diced apples and dried cranberries to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until apples begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients : In a large bowl, mix toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper as you combine everything gently.
Add Broth : Slowly pour vegetable broth over the mixture while stirring gently until everything is moistened but not soggy—about 1 cup should do it.
Bake the Stuffing : Transfer stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown on top.
This Apple Cranberry Stuffing will have your kitchen smelling heavenly while you wait impatiently for it to bake! Enjoy every moment of preparing this delightful side dish that promises smiles all around your dinner table. Turkey Sweet Potato Bake.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Apple Cranberry Stuffing is the ultimate side dish for your holiday feast. The sweet-tart cranberries and crisp apples create a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the aroma of herbs wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft, then mix with bread cubes and remaining ingredients for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add nuts like pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect stuffing, dry your bread cubes overnight to avoid sogginess. Always taste before serving—seasonings can make or break your dish. Adding a splash of apple cider enhances the sweetness beautifully! [/info_box]
Some of my best memories revolve around Thanksgiving dinners, where this stuffing stole the show every time, leaving my family craving more.
FAQ
Can I make Apple Cranberry Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
Use stale bread or baguettes for a more flavorful and textured stuffing.
Can I freeze Apple Cranberry Stuffing?
Absolutely! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a festive favorite for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. With tender bread, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing brings warmth to your table and delightful aromas to your kitchen. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s sure to become a beloved family tradition.
Ingredients
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (crusty)
- 1 cup diced fresh Honeycrisp apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread stale bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onion and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add apples and cranberries; sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed mixture. Season with sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring gently until moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
