Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Transform your holiday gatherings with this delightful Apple Cranberry Stuffing recipe. Bursting with the sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries, this dish combines wholesome bread, aromatic herbs, and a touch of butter for a savory side that pairs perfectly with turkey or a festive roast. This easy-to-follow recipe will surely become a family favorite for your seasonal celebrations.
This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal companion for your holiday feast. The sweetness of the apples complements the tart cranberries, while the herbs add a fragrant touch to each bite.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is not just a side dish; it's an experience that enhances your holiday meals. The combination of sweet apples and tangy cranberries creates a wonderful contrast that perfectly complements roasted turkey or ham. This stuffing is incredibly versatile and can easily adapt to your family's tastes or dietary needs. Whether you prefer it traditional or with a twist, this recipe will earn a special place at your table during festive celebrations.
Many stuffing recipes rely heavily on very basic flavors, but this Apple Cranberry Stuffing stands out with its unique blend of ingredients. The blend of fresh herbs like thyme and sage adds an aromatic layer, elevating the conventional stuffing experience. As guests dig into this flavorful dish, they will be reminded of the warmth and joy of holiday gatherings, making it an instant hit at any feast.
Ingredients Matter
Using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the overall flavor and texture of your stuffing. Fresh, crusty bread cubes serve as the foundation of the recipe, absorbing the flavors of each added component beautifully. When selecting apples, opt for a variety that strikes a balance between sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they will hold up well during baking while adding a delightful burst of flavor.
For cranberries, fresh options can be used during the fall season, but dried cranberries will also work remarkably well year-round. Be mindful when squeezing in that chicken or vegetable broth; just the right amount will keep your stuffing moist and prevent it from becoming mushy. This careful attention to your ingredients will ensure that each bite of your Apple Cranberry Stuffing is memorable and delicious.
Tips for Success
To make your Apple Cranberry Stuffing even easier, consider preparing some components ahead of time. You can toast the bread cubes a day before and store them in an airtight container. Similarly, chopping the vegetables in advance will save you valuable time on the day you plan to serve your stuffing. Just remember to assemble the dish close to baking it for optimal texture and flavor.
Another excellent tip for enhancing your stuffing is to experiment with additional ingredients. Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while spices like nutmeg or a touch of cinnamon can complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully. By customizing this recipe to suit your preferences, you can create a unique version of Apple Cranberry Stuffing that your family will request year after year.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Mix the ingredients well to combine the flavors.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, diced apples, cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in the broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is crispy.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Cranberry Stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table. Serve it alongside classic roasted turkey or a savory ham for a balanced meal that appeals to all tastes. It can also be a lovely accompaniment to vegetarian or vegan options like stuffed squash, providing a hearty and flavorful complement.
For a more casual approach, consider serving the stuffing as a side at a winter potluck or family gathering. It also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors meld even further after a day in the fridge. Reheat servings in individual portions for a quick, delectable meal any night of the week.
Storage and Reheating
Storing leftover Apple Cranberry Stuffing is straightforward! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it should last about 3 to 5 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing the stuffing. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will maintain its delicious flavors for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating can be done in the oven for a crispy top or in the microwave for a quicker option. If using the oven, cover the stuffing with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. No matter how you choose to reheat, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this festive stuffing long after the holiday has passed.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.
→ What can I substitute for cranberries?
You can use raisins or chopped dried cherries as a substitute for cranberries.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Transform your holiday gatherings with this delightful Apple Cranberry Stuffing recipe. Bursting with the sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries, this dish combines wholesome bread, aromatic herbs, and a touch of butter for a savory side that pairs perfectly with turkey or a festive roast. This easy-to-follow recipe will surely become a family favorite for your seasonal celebrations.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, diced apples, cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in the broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is crispy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g