Description
Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a delightful dish combining tart cranberries, crisp apples, fragrant herbs, and moist bread cubes to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for family dinners and festive occasions, this versatile stuffing is easy to prepare and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, making every meal cozy and memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Fruits: Cut day-old bread into bite-sized cubes to ensure they absorb flavors without turning soggy. Rinse and dry fresh cranberries. Peel and chop apples into small pieces, setting all aside for combining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in chopped fresh sage and thyme, cooking briefly to release their aromas.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes, sautéed aromatics with herbs, fresh cranberries, and chopped apples. Pour in vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly over the mixture to help bind it.
- Season and Toss: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently but thoroughly toss the mixture to evenly distribute seasoning and combine flavors while keeping bread cubes intact.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to absorb liquids better and avoid mushiness.
- Toss gently to maintain fluffy and intact bread cubes.
- Lightly toast fresh herbs before using for enhanced flavor.
- Add vegetable broth gradually to achieve moist but not soggy stuffing.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes after baking to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, vegetarian stuffing, plant-based stuffing, festive recipes, side dish
