Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday side dish: cranberry apple stuffing! The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with that perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. It’s like a warm hug on your plate! I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, and every time, it’s the star of the show. Friends and family always rave about how the tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the apples, while the herbs and walnuts add just the right amount of texture. Trust me, this cranberry apple stuffing is a must-have at your holiday table, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! Get ready to impress your guests!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful cranberry apple stuffing. I promise, it’s super straightforward and loaded with flavor!
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (stale bread works best for texture!)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried will do, just be sure to rinse if fresh)
- 2 apples, diced (I love using Granny Smith for that tart kick!)
- 1 onion, chopped (this adds such a lovely aroma)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (they give a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or pecans if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup butter (for that rich, buttery goodness)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (this keeps everything moist)
- 1 teaspoon sage (a must-have herb for stuffing)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (adds a wonderful earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious stuffing ever!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Alright, let’s get cooking! This cranberry apple stuffing is not only delicious but also super easy to make. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a side dish that’ll wow everyone at your table!
Preheat and Sauté
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your stuffing bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden brown color. While that’s heating up, grab a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat, and toss in the chopped onion and celery. You’ll want to sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combine Ingredients
Once your onion and celery are ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cranberries, diced apples, and chopped walnuts to the pan and stir for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to combine all those wonderful flavors! Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cubed bread with the sautéed mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, sprinkle in the sage and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread is nicely coated—don’t be shy, get in there and mix!
Bake the Stuffing
Now for the final touch! Transfer that delicious stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and the edges are slightly crispy. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen—wow! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready to dig into this scrumptious cranberry apple stuffing!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple stuffing truly shine, here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way! First, using stale bread is key to achieving that perfect texture—fresh bread can get mushy, which we definitely want to avoid. If you remember to let your bread sit out for a day or two, you’ll be golden! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste; everyone’s palate is different, and I love adding a pinch more sage for extra flavor.
If you’re short on time, feel free to prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is bake it! Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to impress your guests with this make-ahead option!
Variations on Cranberry Apple Stuffing
One of the best things about this cranberry apple stuffing is how versatile it is! You can totally make it your own by switching up a few ingredients. For instance, if you’re not a fan of walnuts, try using pecans or even hazelnuts for a different crunch. They’ll add their own unique flavor, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Feeling adventurous? Add some dried fruits like apricots or raisins for an extra layer of sweetness! They complement the tart cranberries beautifully. And if you want to spice things up, consider tossing in some fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of sage and thyme. Each herb brings its own character—so feel free to experiment!
Oh, and if you want to give it a seasonal twist, how about adding some diced butternut squash or even a handful of cooked sausage? It’ll make for a heartier stuffing that’s perfect for those chilly holiday evenings. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and adapt this dish to fit your taste and make it truly yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about storing any leftover cranberry apple stuffing (if there’s any left, that is!). To keep it fresh, just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll last for about 3-4 days—perfect for those post-holiday meals or late-night snacks!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stuffing evenly in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you like a crispy top, just remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. The flavors will still be vibrant, and the texture will be just as delightful as when you first made it! Enjoy every tasty bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional values for a serving of this delicious cranberry apple stuffing. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands and can vary depending on what you choose to use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
This stuffing is not only tasty but also a great addition to your holiday spread, providing a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s good for you too!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Got questions about this fabulous cranberry apple stuffing? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear, along with my tried-and-true answers.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread, and you’ll be all set. Look for a hearty gluten-free loaf for the best texture.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will bring its unique crunch and flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Simply place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, perfect for those tasty leftovers!
Can I add other fruits?
You bet! Dried fruits like apricots or raisins add a delightful sweetness that complements the cranberries beautifully. Just dice them up and mix them in!
What’s the best way to serve this stuffing?
This stuffing is perfect alongside your holiday roast or as a side dish for any festive gathering. I love serving it warm, drizzled with a bit of gravy or alongside cranberry sauce for an extra flavor punch!
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry apple stuffing is bound to become a beloved staple at your holiday gatherings, and here’s why!
- Quick to Prepare: You’ll have this stuffing ready in no time! With just a bit of chopping and sautéing, you can whip it up in under an hour.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and savory herbs creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a taste sensation!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it shines at Thanksgiving and Christmas, this stuffing is versatile enough to serve at any festive gathering or family dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, saving you time on the big day. Just pop it in the oven before serving!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, fruits, or herbs to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Trust me, this stuffing is always a hit! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds… and thirds!
Get ready to impress your guests and fill your home with the comforting aroma of this delicious cranberry apple stuffing!
Imprimer
Cranberry Apple Stuffing: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A savory and sweet cranberry apple stuffing perfect for holiday meals.
Ingrédients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Add cranberries, apples, and walnuts to the mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed mixture, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Can be made a day ahead and baked before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, Thanksgiving stuffing
