Hey y'all! Looking to jazz up your holiday table with something both comforting and unique? This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is bursting with sweet apples, tart cranberries, savory herbs, and hearty bread—making it the ultimate side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner. The mix of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that keep every bite interesting.
- Simple to prepare and easy to adapt with what you have on hand.
- Adds beautiful color and aroma to your holiday spread.
- Hearty enough to stand on its own, but light enough to pair with any main course.
- Leftovers taste fantastic, making it a next-day treat!
Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe Ingredients
- 1 loaf (14 oz) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread bread cubes out on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy and dry. Let cool. Increase oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in apples, cooking for another 3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Stuffing Mixture
In your largest mixing bowl, toss together toasted bread, sautéed mixture, dried cranberries, herbs, and nuts if using. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Whisk together broth and eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually pour over stuffing, gently tossing until bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until top is golden and crisp.
Notes for the Best Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- If you have fresh herbs, use them—they deliver brighter flavor! (Learn more about using fresh vs. dried herbs.)
- For gluten-free stuffing, substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread.
- Don’t skip toasting the bread—it keeps the stuffing from becoming mushy. (Read about stuffing texture tips.)
Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe Variations
- Sausage Stuffing: Add 8 oz browned breakfast sausage to the mix for heartier flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip sausage or meat add-ins.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use sturdy gluten-free bread and check all ingredient labels.
Required Equipment for Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Foil
Storage Instructions for Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Cool leftovers, cover, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes until hot.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Classic roast turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin
- Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Pro Tips for Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
- Taste as you go—seasoning varies with the bread you use. Adjust salt and herbs as needed.
- If you like a super crisp top, broil the finished stuffing for 2-3 extra minutes (watch closely!).
- For extra moisture, drizzle a little hot broth over the stuffing before serving. Find more stuffing techniques at Food Network Thanksgiving Stuffing Guide.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe FAQ
- Can I make Apple Cranberry Stuffing ahead of time? Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate the unbaked stuffing up to 24 hours ahead. Bake just before serving.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? You can, but the flavor will be tarter and you may want to add an extra pinch of sugar.
- What’s the best bread for this stuffing? A hearty French or sourdough bread works best as it holds its shape and soaks up flavors without turning mushy.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 10-12
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 cup diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
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2In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
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3Add diced apple, dried cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for another 3-4 minutes.
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4Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the apple-cranberry-veggie mixture and toss to combine.
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5Slowly pour in chicken broth, mixing gently, until bread is moistened but not soggy.
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6Transfer stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until top is golden and slightly crisp.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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