Looking for a show-stopping side dish that will elevate your holiday dinner? This Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing is bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds and will make your kitchen smell like a cozy holiday haven!
Imagine fluffy bread cubes mingling with tart cranberries and sweet apples, all wrapped in a warm, savory seasoning. This stuffing strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, creating a delightful texture that is both hearty and comforting. The delightful aroma of rosemary and sage combined with the sweetness of cranberries and apples is what makes this stuffing special. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter, making your holiday meals more memorable.
You’ll want to make this stuffing for a few reasons:
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, letting you enjoy more time with your loved ones.
- It features simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- It’s a family favorite that even kids love, ensuring no leftovers will be in sight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Benefit 1: Ready in under an hour!
- Benefit 2: Made with pantry staples.
- Benefit 3: Perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Benefit 4: A crowd-pleaser that complements any main dish.
Ingredients for Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Combine the bread cubes, cranberries, and apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl, and then pour in the melted butter.
- Sprinkle in the sage and rosemary, followed by salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the vegetable broth gradually, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for perfect texture – it soaks up the broth beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Feel free to mix it up with other herbs like thyme or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Taste and adjust seasonings while you mix; everyone’s flavor preferences are different!
Substitutions & Variations of Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace butter with a plant-based alternative. Make sure your bread is gluten-free if necessary.
Variations:
- Stir in diced walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor, or replace cranberries with raisins for a sweeter hit!
Storage Instructions of Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
This stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Make-Ahead:
Prepare the stuffing a day in advance, and store it in the fridge unbaked. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Fresh bread can become soggy. Day-old bread will give the best texture!
Is this stuffing gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
How can I spice it up?
Feel free to add cooked sausage or chives for extra flavor!
Final Toughts
End this wonderful cooking journey with a yummy dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table! This Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing is sure to become a new family tradition. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments, and if you give it a try, a star rating would be greatly appreciated!
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Irresistible Cranberry Apple Stuffing
A delightful stuffing featuring fluffy bread cubes mingling with tart cranberries and sweet apples, perfect for your holiday feast.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Combine the bread cubes, cranberries, and apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl, and then pour in the melted butter.
- Sprinkle in the sage and rosemary, followed by salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the vegetable broth gradually, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Notes
Use day-old bread for perfect texture. Feel free to mix in other herbs or nuts for variation. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian