Description
Cranberry Apple Stuffing combines sweet, tart, and savory for a holiday side that steals the show. Crisp-topped, moist inside, with bursts of apple and cranberry in every bite, it elevates any meal and impresses guests without complicated steps.
Ingredients
1 loaf day-old rustic bread, like sourdough or French, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the Foundation: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast 10-15 minutes until dry and slightly golden. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook 8-10 minutes until soft.
3. Incorporate the Fruit: Add diced apples and dried cranberries; cook 5 minutes until apples soften. Stir in sage and rosemary.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry: Pour skillet contents over toasted bread cubes. In a small bowl, whisk broth and eggs; pour over bread mixture.
5. Mix and Season: Toss gently until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper; taste and adjust.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer to greased 9×13 inch dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-30 minutes until top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Use stale or toasted bread for best texture.
Gently fold after adding broth; do not overmix.
Butter is essential; don’t skimp.
Taste before baking to adjust seasoning.
Optional: swap bread type, add sausage, pancetta, nuts, or adjust herbs.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Holiday
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg