I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this recipe for Cranberry Apple Stuffing! Every holiday season, it somehow ends up stealing the show at my family gatherings. One taste of the sweet-tart cranberries mingling with the crunchy apples and savory herbs brings me right back to my childhood, where my grandma would whip up a big ol’ batch, filling the house with the most incredible aroma. It’s the kind of dish that makes everything else on the table look like it’s just a plus-one.
Whether you’re roasting a turkey, hosting a Friendsgiving, or just looking for a cozy side dish, this stuffing is versatile and oh-so-delicious. And let’s be real; who doesn’t want their kitchen to smell divine while they cook? Let’s dive in, and I’ll show you how to make this delightful stuffing!
What’s in Cranberry Apple Stuffing?
– 10 cups bread cubes: I prefer a mix of sourdough and whole grain for an extra depth of flavor. The sourdough adds a tang, while the whole grain keeps things hearty.
– 1 cup fresh cranberries: You can substitute dried cranberries if you prefer a sweeter twist. The fresh ones give it a beautiful burst of tartness.
– 2 cups apples: I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they’re juicy and provide a perfect crunch. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of fruit in their stuffing?
– 1/2 cup celery: Finely chopped, this veggie adds a lovely crunch and subtle flavor. It’s a classic stuffing player!
– 1/2 cup onion: For another layer of flavor, sautéing the onions with the celery is key. They become nice and tender, infusing the stuffing with their sweetness.
– 1/4 cup parsley: Fresh parsley brightens everything up, making your dish look and taste fresher.
– 2 teaspoons fresh sage: Fresh sage has an earthy flavor that’s perfect for this stuffing. If you’re out, dried sage works well too but use a bit less.
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme: I absolutely love the flavor thyme brings to the dish. Again, dried will work fine in a pinch!
– 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Just the right amount for seasoning, but feel free to adjust based on your taste!
– 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth: This is the magic ingredient that brings everything together — it keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
– 2 large eggs: Beaten, they help bind all the delicious ingredients together.
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melting this adds richness and flavor that really takes your stuffing to the next level.
Is Cranberry Apple Stuffing Good for You?
You might be wondering if a dish like this can be good for you — and the answer is a resounding yes! This stuffing offers a multitude of health benefits:
– Bread cubes: While bread can be a carb-heavy component, using whole grain means you’re getting fiber. Plus, bread becomes a vehicle for holding other healthy ingredients.
– Cranberries: These little gems are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and E. They’re great for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
– Apples: With their fiber content and vitamin C, apples are great for your digestive health. They’re also naturally sweet, which helps balance the savory elements of the stuffing.
– Celery and onions: Both are low-calorie veggies that contribute to your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. They also add that classic stuffing flavor!
Of course, you’ll want to keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you add nuts or extra butter. But honestly, enjoying a delicious stuffing like this as part of a balanced meal isn’t just good for you — it’s good for the soul!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Stuffing?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic begins!
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, cranberries, diced apples, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together until mixed — I like to think of this part as a delicious hug for the bread!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable or chicken broth and beaten eggs.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined. The bread should be moist but not soggy. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth — don’t be shy!
6. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Your house is going to smell heavenly at this point!
8. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a mouthwatering side dish that everyone will rave about!
Serve It Up with a Twist!
I love to prepare this stuffing a day in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge! When you’re ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Want to take it up a notch? Consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that takes this stuffing to the next level.
It truly is the stuffing dreams are made of! I encourage you to give it a go, share it with your loved ones, and watch them fall in love with each comforting bite just like I did. Happy cooking!
