Name: Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 apple, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped; 1 loaf cranberry walnut bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 egg; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Olive oil spray or cooking spray

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The air is filled with the inviting aroma of fresh herbs, warm bread, and tangy cranberries. As the stuffing bakes, the crisp edges contrast with the moist, flavorful center, creating an irresistible dish that warms not only the home but the heart as well. This Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of the season, perfect for family gatherings around a festive table. The bright pops of red from the cranberries and the crunch of walnuts evoke joyful memories of shared meals and laughter. Every bite brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding me of the holidays spent with loved ones, each flavor intertwining to tell a delicious story. I can’t wait for you to create this delightful dish in your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing

Gather around and get excited about crafting this Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing for your upcoming holiday feast or cozy dinner. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts makes for a stuffing that is both comforting and vibrant. With the holidays knocking on our doors, this delightful recipe is sure to gather your family around the table for a memorable meal that celebrates togetherness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this stuffing up in just about 40 minutes, including prep and baking time!
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet apples and tart cranberries create a beautiful balance of flavors that you’ll crave again and again.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful blend of ingredients makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty—perfect for impressing your guests!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering, this stuffing can also be served as a hearty snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe to meet gluten-free or vegan diets with a few simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: This adds a subtle flavor and helps sauté the onions perfectly. Feel free to substitute with any neutral oil if needed.
1 large onion, chopped into small pieces: Enhances the savory base of the stuffing. Sweet onions can add a slight twist to the flavor!
1 apple, diced: A crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji works best, but any favorite apple will do. This provides a delightful sweetness against the savory elements.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the overall flavor profile. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute—just adjust the quantities!
2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped: Fresh herbs are key here, imparting depth. Thyme mixed in gives it a lovely spin as well.
1 loaf cranberry walnut bread, cut into 1-inch cubes: This is where the magic happens! If you can’t find cranberry walnut bread, any crusty bread will work; just add a handful of dried cranberries and walnuts separately.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together. You can swap it out for a flax egg or chia seed blend for a vegan option.
1/3 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture. Coconut cream is a nice alternative for a dairy-free version.
1/2 cup chicken stock: Necessary for binding and moisture. Be sure to keep extra on hand to adjust the consistency if needed. Vegetable stock works just as well for a vegetarian stuffing.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust to your liking, especially if using salted broth.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper brings out the flavors. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick!
Olive oil spray or cooking spray: To grease your baking dish effortlessly.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Greasing a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray ensures that your stuffing doesn’t stick during baking. This is crucial for easy serving, as you want to present a beautiful, cohesive dish.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the onions until they become translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the diced apples and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften a bit. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and rosemary, letting them bloom for about a minute before removing the pan from the heat. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, warming your heart!

Combine Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, add your 1-inch bread cubes. You want enough room to mix everything well without making a mess! Pour the sautéed onion and apple mixture directly over the bread cubes, allowing that flavorful goodness to seep into every piece.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy concoction will be the magic that binds the stuffing together. Pour it over the bread mixture and then toss everything together thoroughly. If the bread looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken stock—each bread type absorbs moisture differently, and you want a nice consistency.

Transfer and Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture into your greased baking dish. As a finishing touch, lightly coat the top with a spritz of olive oil spray to encourage an even browning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy, and the center feels set. You’ll know it’s done when the beautiful aromas fill the air!

Serve Warm: Remove the stuffing from the oven, and let it cool for just a few moments before serving. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra cranberries on top for that festive touch. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with each bite capturing the essence of the season.

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers (if you’re lucky!), allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing. You can keep it at room temperature for up to an hour, but any longer needs refrigeration. When storing in the fridge, use an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, transfer the stuffing to a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in an oven set to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The stuffing may lose a bit of its initial crispy texture, but a quick drizzle of olive oil can refresh its moisture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; overworking can lead to a dense stuffing.
For perfectly toasted bread, consider leaving the bread cubes out overnight to dry out slightly—this helps them absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
Want a crunchy topping? Broil the stuffing for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
If making ahead, assemble the stuffing before baking and store it in the fridge overnight; simply bake when ready.
Experiment with additional ingredients like celery for crunch or even sausage for a heartier flavor!

The Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing you create will not only fill your kitchen with delightful aromas, but it will also bring joy to the table with its scrumptious flavor and eye-catching appeal. Go ahead and let your creativity shine; whether you stick to the classic ingredients or customize it with your favorites, I encourage you to enjoy the process just as much as the outcome. Gather your loved ones, and savor every delightful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—allow a few extra minutes for baking since it will be cold from the fridge.

What if I can’t find cranberry walnut bread?

No worries at all! Any crusty bread will work just fine. Just be sure to add a handful of dried cranberries and some toasted walnuts to replicate that special flavor found in cranberry walnut bread. Sourdough, French bread, or even a good whole wheat bread can be delightful substitutions!

Is this stuffing gluten-free?

Yes, this stuffing can easily be made gluten-free! Just use gluten-free bread and ensure that your chicken stock is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious!

How do I prevent my stuffing from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy stuffing, be cautious with the amount of liquid you add. Start with the minimum amount of broth and then add more only if needed. Drying out the bread slightly beforehand helps too—letting it sit out overnight works wonders!