Transform your holiday table with a delightful twist on a classic side dish — Savory Cranberry Apple Stuffing. This recipe combines the tart sweetness of cranberries and apples with aromatic herbs, creating a stuffing that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Bread cubes form the base of our stuffing, providing texture and absorbing all the wonderful flavors. Stale or day-old bread works best here. Dried cranberries add a pop of tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements. Apples, when diced, introduce a fresh and mild sweetness that complements the cranberries. Celery and onions are classic stuffing vegetables that bring an earthy flavor and a bit of crunch. Butter is essential for sautéing, giving depth and richness to the stuffing. The dried sage and dried thyme are key herbs that infuse the dish with warm, aromatic notes. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, while vegetable broth moistens the bread, tying everything together.
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian feast, serve it alongside a hearty vegetable roast or a mushroom gravy. It also complements a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts perfectly.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get the perfect temperature for baking. While the oven is heating, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the onions and celery. Cook these until they soften, stirring occasionally, which takes about five minutes.
Next, stir in the fragrant dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let them cook for an additional two minutes. This step is crucial as it releases the aroma and flavor of the herbs, creating a savory base.
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes, your sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and diced apples. This is where you start to see the stuffing take shape. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to ensure the bread is moistened evenly but not becoming a mushy mess. You want the bread to absorb the flavors while still maintaining its structure.
Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil, which helps to keep the stuffing moist while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven, baking for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step gives the stuffing a nice golden-brown top that adds a little crunch.
Finally, serve it warm and enjoy watching it disappear from the table as everyone digs in!
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