Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much joy making cranberry apple stuffing brings me! There’s something truly magical about the blend of savory and sweet in this dish. Picture this: the warm, buttery aroma filling your kitchen as you sauté onions and celery, followed by the delightful burst of tart cranberries and crisp apples mingling together. Trust me, it’s the kind of stuffing that makes your heart sing, especially during gatherings with family and friends. I always look forward to serving this cranberry apple stuffing at Thanksgiving, but honestly, it’s perfect for any cozy dinner. It’s a dish that invites everyone to the table, ready for seconds and thirds. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious side dish that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Stuffing
- 6 cups bread cubes: Use day-old bread for the best texture; you can mix different types like sourdough and whole wheat for added flavor.
- 1 cup diced apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but feel free to use your favorite variety!
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color to the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup chopped onions: Yellow or white onions work great here; they bring out the savory notes beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to balance the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
- 1/4 cup butter: This is where the magic happens—melted butter makes everything rich and delicious!
- 2 cups chicken broth: For a vegetarian option, swap this out with vegetable broth to keep the flavors vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy aroma that complements the apples and cranberries perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your stuffing.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of spice to round out the dish without overpowering the sweetness.
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s bring this wonderful cranberry apple stuffing to life! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by melting the 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want it nice and bubbly!
- Once the butter is melted, add in 1/2 cup chopped onions and 1/2 cup chopped celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. You’ll love the smell that fills your kitchen!
- Next, stir in the 1 cup diced apples and 1 cup dried cranberries. Cook them together for another 2 minutes, just until the apples start to soften slightly.
- Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything well, letting those flavors meld for about a minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with 6 cups bread cubes. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
- Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to combine everything. You want the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell divine!
And there you have it! Just let it cool slightly before serving, and watch it disappear from the table. Enjoy the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- The delightful combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion!
- It’s a versatile dish that complements any holiday feast or cozy family dinner.
- This stuffing can easily be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy cooking days.
- With a vegetarian option available, it caters to various dietary preferences while still being hearty and satisfying.
Tips for Success with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
To make sure your cranberry apple stuffing is a showstopper, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love a bit more thyme or want to kick up the flavor with some sage, go for it! Also, preparing the stuffing a day in advance is a game-changer; just store it in the fridge and bake it right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works wonders too—just keep those flavors vibrant! And if you want to add a little crunch, try tossing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your stuffing to a whole new level!
Variations on Cranberry Apple Stuffing
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix up this cranberry apple stuffing and make it your own! For a herby twist, try adding fresh sage or rosemary in place of thyme—both herbs pair beautifully with the apples and cranberries. Want a touch of warmth? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a cozy spice to the mix! You can also switch up the bread—using cornbread or even a hearty whole grain bread adds a unique texture and flavor. And for a bit of crunch and richness, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. On average, each serving of this delicious cranberry apple stuffing contains about 220 calories, 8g of fat, 5g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. Additionally, you’ll find 3g of fiber and 8g of sugar in every comforting cup. It’s a hearty side dish that’s not only flavorful but also satisfying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover cranberry apple stuffing (which is rare but can happen!), storing it properly is key to keeping those delicious flavors intact. Let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out the desired amount and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but I recommend the oven for that lovely crispy texture. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries are much more tart, so you might want to adjust the sugar or add a touch of honey to balance the flavors.
How do I make this stuffing gluten-free? Simple! Just swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffing the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. It actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
What can I serve with cranberry apple stuffing? This stuffing pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a stand-alone side dish for a vegetarian meal. It’s a fantastic addition to any holiday table!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
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Cranberry Apple Stuffing: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and sweet stuffing made with cranberries and apples.
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in apples and cranberries; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with the mixture from the skillet.
- Pour chicken broth over the bread mixture; stir to combine.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing
