Print

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

cranberry apple stuffing recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and flavorful stuffing combining tart cranberries, sweet apples, and fresh herbs with toasted bread cubes, perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 280g)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 100g)
  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (600 ml / approx. 2 ½ cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and slightly crisp.
  3. Heat the melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the diced apple and cranberries to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the apples start to soften and the cranberries begin to pop.
  5. Stir in fresh sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and orange zest. Mix well to coat the fruit and veggies with the herbs and seasoning.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes. Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread, then slowly add the chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Adjust broth as needed to keep the bread moist but not soggy.
  7. Pour the stuffing mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
  9. Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Toast bread cubes before mixing to add texture. Add broth gradually to avoid over-moistening. Fresh herbs enhance flavor. You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate; add 10 extra minutes to baking time if baking cold. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread cubes or cornbread. Optional additions include chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, easy stuffing recipe, homemade stuffing, cozy stuffing, savory stuffing

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cranberry-apple-stuffing-recipe-easy-homemade-perfect-for-cozy-gatherings/