Imagine walking into your home, where the warm scent of apples and cranberries wafts through the air like a cozy hug. This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that dances on your taste buds, bringing joy to every bite. Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a random Tuesday when you just want to feel fancy.
This stuffing will make your friends and family think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Little do they know, you’ve just whipped up this masterpiece with love and a dash of humor—because who doesn’t need a little laughter while cooking? Savory Chicken Linguine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffing combines sweet apples with tart cranberries for a flavor explosion
- It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal
- The vibrant colors make your dinner table pop with holiday cheer
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with chicken or turkey—or even as a delightful snack on its own!
I once made this stuffing for Thanksgiving, and let me tell you, my Aunt Edna almost fainted from delight. She still talks about it every year! For more inspiration, check out this stuffed portobello mushrooms recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Day-old Bread: Use crusty bread like sourdough or French baguette; it adds great texture and flavor.
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Fresh Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they’ll add sweetness and crunch.
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Dried Cranberries: These little gems bring in that tangy burst of flavor; soak them in warm water for extra plumpness.
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Onion: Finely chop a medium onion for depth; sauté until golden brown to release its sweetness.
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Celery: Dice some celery for crunch; it adds freshness that balances the richness of the bread.
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Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness; it keeps everything moist and flavorful.
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Butter: A couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter will enhance flavors as it melts into the stuffing.
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Herbs (Thyme & Sage): Fresh herbs elevate the dish; use them generously for an aromatic experience.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking throughout your stuffing, making each bite irresistible.
Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery, sautéing until they turn soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Apples and Cranberries: Toss in diced apples and dried cranberries. Sauté until the apples soften slightly and everything mingles beautifully—around 3-4 minutes.
Combine with Bread: In a large bowl, mix cubed bread with sautéed mixture. Use gently folding motions to combine without crushing those precious bread pieces.
Pour in Broth: Gradually add vegetable broth while mixing until bread is moistened but not soggy. You want that perfect balance—just like life!
Bake: Transfer stuffing into a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown and crispy—just like your grandma’s favorite sweater after too many holiday dinners.
Enjoy this lovely Apple Cranberry Stuffing as an essential part of your holiday feast or simply as comfort food any day of the week! It’s bound to impress everyone at your table while tickling their taste buds with its delightful flavors! Turkey Melt Sliders with Cranberry Aioli.
You Must Know
- The Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe not only enhances your holiday feast but also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas
- The perfect balance of sweet and savory makes it a crowd favorite
- Plus, leftover stuffing is amazing in sandwiches the next day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft, then mix in your bread cubes, herbs, apples, and cranberries. This sequence ensures flavors meld beautifully while the stuffing stays moist.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries for raisins or add walnuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile to new heights, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they retain that delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect stuffing every time, consider using day-old bread for better absorption
- Don’t skip the herbs; they bring freshness that elevates each bite
- Adjust moisture levels based on personal preference for a softer or firmer stuffing
Memories of my family gathering around the table always come rushing back when I make this stuffing. The compliments never stop, especially from Grandma!
FAQ
Can I make this Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
Use a hearty bread like sourdough or French baguette; they soak up flavors beautifully.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread; the taste will still be delightful!
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries, creating a deliciously festive flavor explosion. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this stuffing is easy to prepare and will impress your guests. With its vibrant colors and comforting aroma, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite that brings joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (sourdough or French baguette)
- 2 medium fresh apples, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (soaked in warm water)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced apples and soaked cranberries to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until apples soften.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cubed bread using gentle folding motions.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth while mixing until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
