Apple Cranberry Stuffing
A warm and festive blend of flavors for a perfect holiday side, combining sweet apples and tart cranberries with savory herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 2–3 cups vegetable or chicken broth Adjust for desired moisture
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed sourdough bread on a sheet pan and toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes or until it dries slightly and develops a light golden color. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, diced apples, dried cranberries, and nuts if using. Gently mix to blend the ingredients without breaking the bread too much.
- Pour in enough broth to moisten the bread mixture, starting with 2 cups. Add the beaten eggs and mix until well combined. Adjust with more broth as preferred for moisture. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to protect it from browning too quickly. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of breads for more complex flavors; a combination of sourdough and whole grain works well. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth. Fresh herbs can enhance the stuffing; use rosemary or parsley for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container; they make excellent additions to a breakfast scramble.