Are you ready to transform your ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Cranberry Herb Bread Stuffing is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for seconds! Imagine perfectly toasted bread cubes, bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the aromatic warmth of fresh herbs, creating a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are lightly golden and crisp.
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped fresh parsley, dried sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the herbs' aromatics.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh cranberries. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming too soggy. The bread should be moist but not saturated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more consistent stuffing.
- Toast your bread cubes before mixing to add extra crunch and prevent a soggy final dish.
- Don't overdo the vegetable broth – add it gradually to control the moisture level.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
- If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
