If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances cozy tradition with a fresh burst of flavor, this Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is your new best friend for holiday meals and beyond. Imagine tender, buttery bread cubes infused with the sweet tartness of apples and cranberries, nestled alongside savory herbs and a hint of garlic. It’s that magical combination that brings warmth to any table and has guests asking for seconds. This stuffing is not only comforting but also bright and vibrant — a true celebration of seasonal ingredients that will make your mealtime unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a stuffing full of texture and flavor. Each element plays a distinct role, from the crunch of fresh apples to the aromatic herbs that add an inviting earthiness to every bite.
- Day-old sourdough or whole grain bread, 1 loaf: Slightly dried bread is perfect for absorbing all the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, 2 large: These apples add just the right amount of sweetness and a pleasant crisp texture.
- Dried cranberries, 1 cup: Their natural tartness brightens the stuffing and contrasts beautifully with savory notes.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick): Butter creates the rich, silky base for sautéing and flavoring the ingredients.
- Onion, 1 large: Adds sweetness and depth; diced just right to soften without overpowering.
- Celery stalks, 3: Provide a gentle crunch and fresh earthiness vital for classic stuffing.
- Garlic cloves, 2: Minced for a fragrant punch that melds wonderfully with fresh herbs.
- Fresh sage, 1/4 cup (chopped): A signature herb for stuffing, offering a warm, savory note.
- Fresh thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons: Adds subtle lemony undertones that complement the fruit.
- Fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon (chopped): Brings a piney aroma that elevates every forkful.
- Chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cups: Moistens the bread just right for a tender texture.
- Beaten eggs, 2 large: Helps bind all the ingredients so the stuffing holds together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and lifting all the layers of flavor.
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup: Adds a delightful nutty crunch if you feel like mixing it up.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet. Toasting these cubes gently dries them out, which is essential for the stuffing to soak up the flavorful liquids later without turning into mush. Stir occasionally and toast for about 15 minutes until the bread is slightly dry but still tender.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Celery
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the diced onion and celery. These aromatic vegetables soften up nicely, releasing sweetness and creating the base for your stuffing’s savory character. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re translucent and tender.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant. Garlic is a subtle star here—it infuses depth without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors, complementing the herbs and fruit beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Fresh Herbs
Stir in the sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking everything for one more minute. This step allows the fresh herbs to release their essential oils, scenting the entire dish with earthy, comforting notes that make stuffing feel like a warm embrace.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes, the sautéed veggies and herbs, the diced apples, and dried cranberries. This colorful mixture is where sweet, tart, and savory play together, promising exciting flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Prepare Egg and Broth Mixture
Whisk together the beaten eggs and 1 1/2 cups of broth. The eggs act as a delicious binder, while the broth provides moisture and seasoning, ensuring the stuffing stays tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Fold Wet Ingredients Into Bread Mixture
Pour the egg and broth mixture over the bread combination and gently fold until every bread cube is moistened but not soggy. You can add a little more broth if the stuffing feels dry. This step is crucial for balancing texture — the stuffing should hold together without being heavy or wet.
Step 8: Season and Add Nuts
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If you love a bit of crunch and a nutty flair, fold in the optional pecans or walnuts. They add a wonderful contrast to the softer fruit and vegetables.
Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the stuffing evenly inside. Even distribution ensures a golden crust on top and moist, flavorful layers inside.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and crispy, providing that irresistible crunch that contrasts with the soft interior.
Step 11: Let It Rest
Allow the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting time helps it set and makes serving much easier, letting all the flavors deepen together for a truly delightful experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra fresh sage leaves make perfect garnishes, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This stuffing shines alongside roasted turkey or chicken and pairs wonderfully with green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp autumn salad. It’s versatile and can elevate any cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash halves or in small ramekins for individual portions. These creative presentations turn a humble side dish into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffing before baking — shape it in a dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the top is again crisped to perfection. This helps restore that freshly baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or whole grain bread works best for its texture and flavor, you can use French bread, multigrain, or even gluten-free bread, just make sure it’s slightly dried out for proper absorption.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs are not available, use dried herbs but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Be sure to add them earlier in the cooking process to help develop their taste.
Can this stuffing be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat products. The combination of apples, cranberries, and herbs ensures it stays flavorful and satisfying.
Do I have to toast the bread cubes first?
Toasting the bread cubes helps to dry them out so they absorb the broth well without becoming mushy. If you skip toasting, the stuffing may turn out soggy, so it’s highly recommended.
How early can I make this before Thanksgiving?
This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe can be made a day ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and baked on the day you plan to serve it. This makes holiday prep a little easier and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is everything you want from a holiday classic and more — a harmonious mix of sweet, tart, and savory flavors that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re a seasoned stuffing lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. So grab those apples and cranberries and get ready to delight your family and friends with every bite!
Print
Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with tart apples, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. Featuring toasted sourdough bread cubes softened with a rich mixture of butter-sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, it’s enriched with fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, and a moist egg-broth blend. Baked to crispy golden perfection, this stuffing is a comforting, festive side dish ideal for holiday meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old sourdough or whole grain bread, cubed
- 2 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Liquids and Binding
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasoning and Optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Toast the Bread Cubes: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast them for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are slightly dry but not browned. Remove from oven and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Onions and Celery: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add the chopped sage, thyme leaves, and rosemary to the skillet. Cook for another minute to release their aromas and flavors. Turn off the heat and set the mixture aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables and herbs, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Mix them gently but thoroughly.
- Prepare Egg and Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and 1 1/2 cups of the chicken or vegetable broth until fully blended.
- Moisten the Bread Mixture: Pour the egg and broth mixture evenly over the bread mixture. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each bread cube is moistened. If the mixture feels dry, add more broth a little at a time until the bread is moist but not soggy.
- Season and Add Nuts: Season the stuffing mixture generously with salt and pepper. Add the optional chopped pecans or walnuts if desired and mix well.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and enhances the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to ensure the cubes toast well and absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired stuffing moisture; it should be moist but not soggy.
- Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a pleasant crunch and complements the sweet and savory flavors.
- Fresh herbs are key for bright flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce quantities by half).
- Letting the stuffing rest before serving allows it to firm up for easier slicing and serving.
