Savory Herb Turkey Stuffing with Cranberries

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're looking for a stuffing that stands out on your holiday table, this Savory Herb Turkey Stuffing with Cranberries is a must-try. It's a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, tangy cranberries, and hearty sourdough bread that brings comforting flavors and a touch of elegance to your meal.

Ingredients for Savory Herb Turkey Stuffing with Cranberries

Sourdough bread is the backbone of this stuffing, offering a tangy flavor and hearty texture. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables. Yellow onion and garlic bring depth and aroma, while celery provides a satisfying crunch. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with earthy notes. Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and tartness, balancing the savory elements. Turkey or chicken broth is used to moisten the bread, and salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. Finally, fresh parsley is sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, use homemade broth if you have it on hand.
  • Let the bread cubes sit out overnight to dry out slightly; this helps them absorb the broth better.
  • Mix in some cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier stuffing.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect accompaniment for any holiday feast. Consider serving it alongside a rich gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce to complement its flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would also balance the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough adds a unique flavor, you can use any hearty bread like ciabatta or rustic white bread.
Can this stuffing be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it in the oven before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Savory Herb Turkey Stuffing with Cranberries Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lay the sourdough bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes until they're lightly golden. This step gives the bread a nice crunchy texture and prevents it from becoming too soggy later on.

While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them until they're translucent and fragrant. You’ll want to stir occasionally to ensure they don't burn.

Add the chopped celery, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, letting those wonderful herbaceous aromas fill your kitchen.

Once your bread is toasted and the vegetables are ready, grab a large bowl. Combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture, then sprinkle in the dried cranberries. Pour the broth over everything, and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients until the bread is evenly moistened but not mushy.

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake the stuffing for an additional 15 minutes. This will give the top a lovely, crisp texture. Once done, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines traditional and modern flavors — a perfect holiday twist.
  • Uses sourdough bread for a unique texture and taste.
  • Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfectly moist with a delightful crispy top.

Ingredients

1 loaf of sourdough bread cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 cups celery chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cups turkey or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the sourdough bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add celery, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for 5 minutes until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and broth.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and gently toss until bread is evenly moistened.
7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until top is crisp.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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