Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday side dish: cranberry apple stuffing! This delightful creation is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, where tender bread cubes soak up the rich flavors of sautéed onions, crunchy apples, and tangy dried cranberries. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how this stuffing elevates any holiday meal, making it feel special and cozy. Trust me, the combination of herbs and fruits creates a burst of flavor that everyone will rave about. You’ll want to save room on your plate for this one, I promise!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best cranberry apple stuffing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups bread cubes: Use any bread you love—day-old baguette, sourdough, or even leftover dinner rolls work great!
- 1 cup diced apples: I recommend using a tart variety like Granny Smith for that perfect sweet-tart balance. Just peel, core, and dice them up!
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely chewiness and burst of flavor. You can also use dried cherries if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1/2 cup chopped onions: A sweet onion like Vidalia enhances the stuffing’s flavor, so chop them finely for even distribution.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: This adds a nice crunch and freshness. Make sure to chop it into small pieces so it cooks evenly.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: This is what brings everything together. If you’re going vegetarian, stick with vegetable broth!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor. Don’t worry about the calories, it’s the holidays!
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: This herb is a classic in stuffing and gives it that warm, earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Another herb that complements the other flavors beautifully—feel free to adjust according to your taste!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! A little seasoning can make a big difference.
Make sure to measure everything out before you start to make the process smoother. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Preparing cranberry apple stuffing is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step! You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the time you’re done. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your stuffing bakes evenly and gets that golden-brown top we all love!
- Sauté the veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s bubbly, toss in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them; you want them sweet and tender!
- Combine your ingredients: Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 4 cups of bread cubes, 1 cup of diced apples, 1 cup of dried cranberries, the sautéed onion and celery mixture, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently so that all the flavors mingle but the bread stays intact.
- Add the broth: Now, pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. This is where the magic happens! Mix it all together until the bread is well coated but not mushy. You want everything to be nicely moistened without falling apart.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. This will help it bake evenly too!
- Bake to perfection: Pop the stuffing into your preheated oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color on top and a bit of crispiness. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I promise, the wait will be worth it when you dig in!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
To make sure your cranberry apple stuffing turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the sautéing step—cooking the onions and celery until they’re soft really enhances the flavors. If you’re using day-old bread, let it sit out for a few hours (or even overnight) to dry out a bit; this helps the bread absorb the broth better without getting too soggy.
Also, be generous with your seasoning! Taste the mixture before baking to ensure it has the right balance of flavors. And if you like a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture. Finally, if you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the stuffing the day before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready—so easy!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Stuffing
- It’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking!
- The delightful blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion.
- It’s a wonderful side dish that complements any festive meal.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for an amazing next-day breakfast or lunch.
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Wondering about the nutrition in this delicious cranberry apple stuffing? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every bite guilt-free this holiday season!
FAQ about Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Can I make cranberry apple stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry apple stuffing up to a day in advance. Just follow the steps to combine all your ingredients, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap, add a splash more broth if it seems a bit dry, and pop it in the oven. It’s a great way to save time on the big day!
What can I substitute for bread in cranberry apple stuffing?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the bread with gluten-free bread cubes or even cooked quinoa for a unique twist! Just make sure to choose a variety that has a nice texture. You can also use cornbread for a slightly different flavor profile that still complements the cranberries and apples beautifully.
How do I store leftover cranberry apple stuffing?
Leftover cranberry apple stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it should last for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Apple Stuffing
This cranberry apple stuffing is such a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains! I love serving it alongside roasted turkey or chicken—it’s like a match made in holiday heaven! If you’re going for a vegetarian feast, it’s also fantastic with stuffed acorn squash or a hearty mushroom risotto. And don’t forget about gravy! A drizzle of savory gravy over the stuffing elevates the flavors even more. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness. You’ll have a stunning holiday spread that everyone will adore!
Print
Cranberry Apple Stuffing: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and sweet cranberry apple stuffing perfect for your holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and celery; sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, apples, cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour sautéed mixture and broth over the bread mixture; stir to combine.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can use leftover bread or store-bought stuffing mix.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, vegetarian stuffing
