Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Baked Apple Cranberry Stuffing! Imagine the perfect blend of crispy toasted bread, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're preparing a holiday feast or looking for a show-stopping side dish, this recipe promises to be the star of your meal that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not browned.
- Add diced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften but retain some texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and diced apples. Sprinkle sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture, gently tossing to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add dried cranberries to the bread mixture, folding them in carefully to spread them throughout the stuffing.
- Gradually pour warm chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently. The bread should absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. Add broth until the stuffing reaches a moist but not wet consistency.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set slightly.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more authentic stuffing consistency.
- Toast your bread cubes carefully to ensure they're crisp but not burnt. This step is crucial for creating the perfect stuffing texture.
- Don't overdo the chicken broth - add it gradually to prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy. You want a moist but not wet mixture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary alongside the sage.
- If you want a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and consider adding a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking - this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising on flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
