There’s nothing quite like the sweet, tangy aroma of Apple Cranberry Stuffing wafting through your kitchen, is there? Imagine a dish that marries tender bread cubes with succulent apples and tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. crockpot cranberry meatballs homemade cranberry sauce The warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of nuts add to this delightful experience, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
I remember the first time I made this stuffing; it was Thanksgiving, and my family gathered around the table like hungry wolves, eyeing that golden-brown turkey. turkey melt sliders They dove into my Apple Cranberry Stuffing with gusto, and the room erupted in cheers of delight. It’s become a must-have at every holiday gathering since!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Apple Cranberry Stuffing is incredibly simple to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family. Its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors captivates everyone at the table. The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, elevating any meal. Versatile enough to complement turkey or chicken, it’s perfect for any occasion! [/info_box]
My friends are always amazed when they taste this stuffing; they often ask for seconds (or thirds).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Bread Cubes: Use a mix of white and whole grain for added texture; stale bread absorbs flavors beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup recipe.
Fresh Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a pleasant contrast against sweetness.
Dried Cranberries: These little gems add a burst of flavor; look for unsweetened if possible.
Celery: Chop finely to lend crunchiness; it brings freshness and balances sweetness.
Onion: Sauté until translucent to develop flavor; yellow onions work great here.
Pecans or Walnuts: Toast them lightly before adding for an extra crunch; they enhance the nuttiness of the dish.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth, allowing control over saltiness while adding moisture.
Cinnamon and Sage: These warm spices elevate the stuffing with aromatic depth; fresh sage is best if you can find it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish—nothing fancy needed here; just some cooking spray will do.
Sauté Your Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onion and chopped celery until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.
Add Apples and Nuts: Stir in diced apples and chopped nuts into your sautéed mixture. Cook until apples soften slightly—this should take about 3 minutes.
Combine Bread Cubes with Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your stale bread cubes with your sautéed mixture. Toss gently to avoid breaking up bread too much.
Pour in Chicken Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in chicken broth while mixing everything together. Add cinnamon, sage, salt, pepper, and dried cranberries. Ensure bread cubes are well-coated but not soggy.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Transfer mixture to your greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top—garnish with additional herbs if desired!
Now you have an incredible Apple Cranberry Stuffing ready to wow your guests! Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken for an unforgettable meal. cranberry pecan cheese ball Enjoy each bite as laughter fills the air around the table—after all, that’s what good food is all about!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Apple cranberry stuffing adds a delightful twist to your holiday meals. The tartness of cranberries balances perfectly with sweet apples, creating a flavor explosion. With its warm spices and comforting aroma, this stuffing will be the star of your dinner table. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft. Then mix in bread cubes, herbs, and liquids for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add nuts for crunch. Dried fruits can boost sweetness too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the best apple cranberry stuffing, use stale bread for better texture. Make sure to season generously with herbs for enhanced flavor. Lastly, let it sit before serving to meld those delicious flavors perfectly. [/info_box]
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about family gatherings where this stuffing was devoured faster than I could serve it!
FAQ
Can I make apple cranberry stuffing ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup recipe.
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of bread is best for this stuffing?
Use a hearty bread like sourdough or whole wheat for the best texture.
How do I add more flavor to my apple cranberry stuffing?
Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme and sage or add some sausage for extra taste!
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a must-have for holiday gatherings. With tender bread cubes, tart cranberries, and succulent apples, this dish is elevated by warm spices like cinnamon and fresh herbs. It’s simple to prepare, ensuring you can spend more time with your loved ones instead of in the kitchen. Delight your guests with this vibrant stuffing that pairs beautifully with turkey or chicken!
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread cubes (mix of white and whole grain)
- 2 cups diced fresh Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onion and chopped celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced apples and chopped nuts; cook for another 3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine stale bread cubes with the sautéed mixture; toss gently.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while mixing. Add cinnamon, sage, salt, pepper, and cranberries; ensure bread is well-coated but not soggy.
- Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
