Description
This Cranberry Apple Stuffing recipe combines tender apples, tart cranberries, and fragrant savory herbs for a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect as a stuffing or side, it balances sweet and savory notes with a satisfying texture, ideal for family meals and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old rustic bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Aromatics and Herbs
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Liquids and Fats
- 4 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups warm vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Fruit: Cube the day-old rustic bread into bite-sized pieces and spread on a baking sheet. Lightly toast the bread cubes to ensure your stuffing holds its shape and has a pleasant crunch. Dice the apples into small chunks and set aside the dried cranberries.
- Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Melt the plant-based butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, allowing the herbs to release their aromas.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed aromatics and herbs, diced apples, dried cranberries, apple cider vinegar (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Toss gently to blend flavors evenly.
- Add Broth and Mix: Gradually pour warm vegetable broth into the bowl while mixing until the bread is moistened but not soggy, achieving the right moisture for binding without mushiness.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to maintain texture and avoid mushiness.
- Add broth gradually to prevent sogginess.
- Chop apples and bread evenly for consistent cooking.
- Fresh herbs provide superior flavor compared to dried.
- Let the stuffing rest briefly before serving to meld flavors and firm texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Stuffing, Plant-Based Stuffing, Holiday Side Dish, Vegetarian Stuffing, Gluten-Free Stuffing
