Apple Cranberry Stuffing

This Apple Cranberry Stuffing takes the classic Thanksgiving side and gives it a fresh fall twist with tart cranberries and sweet apples. Warm cinnamon and savory herbs come together in every bite and it’s sure sure to become one of your favorite dishes on the holiday table.

Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Holiday cooking can get a little crazy, but I love when the whole kitchen starts smelling like warm spices and baked apples. This year, I wanted to change up from traditional stuffing and serve one with a little more holiday flavor. Apples, cranberries, cinnamon, and herbs turned out to be exactly what it needed.

What really makes this stuffing different is that I use apple cider instead of regular broth. The bread cubes soak up all that sweet apple flavor while the savory herbs and tart cranberries keep it from being too sweet. Best of all, it uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand, no fancy techniques required.

You can’t have stuffing without the turkey. My Oven Roasted Breast Turkey Breast is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for when you don’t need to roast a whole bird.

Ingredients

• Bread: Cubed bread makes up the base of the stuffing.
• Celery: Chopped celery gives the stuffing a little texture and adds a familiar savory flavor.
• Yellow onion: Helps balance all those sweeter apple and cranberry flavors.
• Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic bring another savory layer to the stuffing.
• Apples: Diced apples soften as they cook, adding moisture and flavor.
• Dried cranberries: They add little tart, chewy bites that makes this stuffing festive.
• Parsley: Dried or fresh Parsley adds mild herb flavor.
• Cinnamon: Just a small amount gives the stuffing a warm fall flavor.
• Thyme: You can use fresh or dried thyme.
• Apple cider: It moistens the cubed bread while adding apple flavor and a subtle sweetness throughout the casserole.

How To Make Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and spread the bread cubes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they feel crisp and slightly stale. Set them aside once they’re done.

Step 2. Increase your oven temperature to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet or dutch oven, saute the celery, onion, and garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3. Add the apples, dried cranberries, parsley, cinnamon, and thyme, then stir over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the apples begin to soften.

Step 4. Add the toasted bread cubes and apple cider to the celery mixture in the skillet, then gently stir until everything is well combined and evenly moist.

Step 5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving warm.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Place leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the completely cooled stuffing in a freezer safe container. Keep in mind that freezing may soften some of the crisp bread texture once it’s thawed and reheated.

Variations And Add-ins

One of the best things about this stuffing is how easy it is to change up. Try one of these simple additions or swaps to make it fit your own holiday menu.

• Add pecans: Chopped pecans can add another crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that works well with both apple and cranberry.
• Add rosemary: A little rosemary can push the stuffing in a more savory direction and pairs especially well when it is being served with roasted turkey.
• Try sage: Sage gives cranberry apple stuffing more of that traditional Thanksgiving dressing flavor.
• Swap some of the cider for broth. Using part apple cider and part chicken broth can tone down the sweetness while keeping some of the apple flavor.
• Cranberry sauce: Swap the dried cranberries for a swirl of cranberry sauce for a jammier, saucier texture.

Tips And Tricks

This stuffing is pretty simple, but a few small details can make a big difference in the final texture. These tips will help keep the bread soft in the middle, crisp around the edges, and full of flavor.

• Cut the bread into similar sized cubes: This helps them toast and bake at roughly the same rate.
• Dice the apples evenly: Large chunks can stay firmer while tiny pieces practically disappear into the stuffing. An even dice gives you apple in more bites.
• Keep the heat low after adding the fruit: The apples only need to begin softening on the stove. They will continue cooking once the stuffing goes into the oven.
• Fold the bread gently: Stir just enough to distribute the cider and other ingredients. Aggressive stirring can crush the bread cubes and make the finished stuffing more compact.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before scooping: A short rest after baking gives the stuffing time to settle and makes it easier to serve.

FAQs

More Delicious Holiday Side Dishes

• Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
• Maple Glazed Carrots
• Garlic Parmesean Asparagus
• Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
• Broccoli Salad with Craisins
• Easy Roasted Potatoes with Vegetables