Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is the dish that turns any ordinary meal into a festive celebration. Imagine the sweet aroma of apples mingling with tart cranberries, wafting through your kitchen like a culinary hug. Cranberry Rigatoni Salad It’s a satisfying blend of flavors that dances on your palate, making it impossible not to sneak a taste before it even makes it to the table.
This stuffing brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter and delicious food filled the air. It’s perfect for holidays or just an average Wednesday when you want to impress your taste buds. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by soft, pillowy bread soaked in savory goodness. Butter Chicken with Garlic Sauce Trust me, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds—if you can manage to save any for them.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The unique flavor profile combines sweet and savory elements that appeal to all tastes
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, sure to impress at any gathering
- It’s versatile enough to serve with turkey, chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish
I remember the first time I made this stuffing; my family declared it the highlight of our Thanksgiving feast. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Stuffed Mini Pumpkins recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Stale Bread: Use a mixture of white or whole grain bread; stale bread absorbs more flavor and moisture.
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Fresh Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and tartness. Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.
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Dried Cranberries: These little gems add a pop of color and tangy sweetness—so good!
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Onion: A finely chopped onion provides depth and savory notes; sauté until translucent for best results.
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Celery: Adds crunch and freshness; don’t skip this step if you want texture!
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Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without being overly salty.
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Sage and Thyme: Fresh herbs elevate this dish; feel free to use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available.
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Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your stale bread into cubes and set aside while you dice the apples, onions, and celery finely.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. You’ll love how fragrant your kitchen becomes!
Add Apples and Cranberries: Toss in cubed apples and dried cranberries; cook until apples soften slightly—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick.
Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, mix sautéed ingredients with bread cubes. Pour vegetable broth over everything gradually—just enough to moisten but not soak!
Add Herbs and Seasonings: Sprinkle sage and thyme into your mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss so those flavors mingle beautifully!
Bake It Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish; cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes for that golden-brown finish.
Now grab yourself a fork because it’s time to dig in! This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is sure to be loved by everyone around your table—just don’t forget to save some for leftovers! Comforting Husband Casserole.
You Must Know
- This delightful apple cranberry stuffing recipe combines sweet and tart flavors, making it an irresistible side dish
- The aroma of herbs and baked apples fills your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for gatherings
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates any holiday meal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft, then add apples and cranberries. Next, combine with bread cubes and broth for the ultimate flavor fusion. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines in harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raisins or add nuts for crunch. A dash of cinnamon can elevate the spice level beautifully. Customize it to suit your taste preferences!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining its delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best apple cranberry stuffing recipe, use day-old bread for optimal absorption of flavors
- Toasting the bread lightly enhances its texture and taste
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfection!
The first time I made this stuffing, my family couldn’t stop raving about it. They even asked me to make it for Thanksgiving two years in a row!
FAQ
Can I make apple cranberry stuffing ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe.
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
What type of bread is best for stuffing?
Use hearty bread like sourdough or French bread for better texture.
How do I keep my stuffing moist?
Add enough broth during preparation to ensure it’s flavorful and moist.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a festive side dish that brings together the delightful sweetness of apples and the tartness of cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that elevates any meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. With its crunchy texture and savory aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table. Impress your guests with this vibrant stuffing that pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh apples, diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced apples and cranberries; cook for another 3-4 minutes until apples are slightly soft.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed ingredients with bread cubes. Gradually pour in vegetable broth until just moistened.
- Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish; cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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