When the holidays roll around, there’s something magical about the aroma of warm, buttery stuffing wafting through the house. Picture this: golden bread cubes mingling with tart cranberries and sweet apples, all wrapped in a savory embrace of herbs. maple glazed ham pairing The perfect Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is not just a side dish; it’s an experience that elevates your holiday meals to a whole new level. sweet cranberry dessert It’s like a cozy hug from Grandma but in food form.
I vividly remember my first attempt at making stuffing during Thanksgiving. I was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but once I pulled that bubbling dish from the oven, the delightful scent made every kitchen mishap worth it. This Apple Cranberry Stuffing quickly became the star of our holiday spread, and now I’m excited to share it with you! You’ll want to whip up this delectable stuffing not just for festive occasions but also for cozy dinners or even as leftovers for breakfast—who says you can’t have stuffing and eggs? cozy ham bean soup. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe combines simplicity with fantastic flavors, making it easy to prepare without stress. The balance of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. Its vibrant colors make it a visually appealing addition to any table setting. Versatile enough to accompany turkey or chicken, this stuffing will impress any guests. [/info_box]
Every time I serve this stuffing, my family erupts into cheers and requests for seconds—it’s become our special holiday tradition!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bread Cubes: Use day-old bread for the best texture; French or sourdough work wonderfully.
Fresh Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth.
Dried Cranberries: These little jewels offer sweetness and chewiness; soak them in warm water for extra plumpness.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds aromatic depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
Celery: Chopped celery contributes crunch; look for fresh stalks that are firm and crisp.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor throughout the stuffing.
Herbs (Thyme & Sage): Fresh herbs elevate the taste; if using dried herbs, reduce quantity by half.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking veggies and adding richness to your stuffing mix.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté Your Veggies: Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Apples and Cranberries: Toss in diced apples and dried cranberries next. Stir frequently until the apples begin to soften—roughly 3-4 minutes is perfect.
Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, combine your sautéed mixture with bread cubes. Ensure everything is evenly distributed; use your hands if necessary to feel like a real chef!
Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in chicken broth gradually while mixing your stuffing. Add chopped thyme and sage here for that aromatic touch—remember, more isn’t always merrier when it comes to herbs!
Bake It Up! : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes before uncovering it to brown—let it bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
Strong sensory cues—like hearing that satisfying sizzle during sautéing or seeing the golden crust forming on top—are signs you’re on the right track! Enjoy every moment as you create this scrumptious Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite at your table! festive struffoli recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any holiday feast. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone eagerly await dinner, while the texture is a delightful balance of soft and crunchy. Perfect for turkey or as a standalone dish! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the bread cubes for extra crunch, then sauté the onions, celery, and apples before combining with cranberries. This sequence maximizes flavor infusion and ensures even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries for cherries or add nuts for extra crunch. Experimenting with spices like sage or thyme can elevate your stuffing to new heights of deliciousness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and avoid mushiness. Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning will enhance flavors tremendously. For an elevated touch, consider adding a splash of apple cider during cooking for sweetness. [/info_box]
The first time I made this stuffing, my family practically inhaled it! They still request it every Thanksgiving, proving it’s a hit every time.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries are tart; consider adding more sugar for balance.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free bread cubes to create a delicious gluten-free stuffing.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a delightful blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday meals. This easy-to-make recipe combines golden bread cubes with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a comforting dish that elevates any festive table. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed as a cozy breakfast treat, this stuffing promises to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (French or sourdough)
- 2 medium apples, diced (1 Granny Smith, 1 Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (soaked in warm water)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced apples and cranberries; cook for another 3-4 minutes until apples soften.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed mixture with bread cubes. Mix well.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while mixing. Add thyme and sage; stir to combine.
- Transfer stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
