Name: Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil; Large onion; Apple; Garlic cloves; Rosemary; Cranberry walnut bread; Egg; Heavy cream; Chicken stock; Salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Olive oil spray or cooking spray

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Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that dances around your senses. The hints of sweet, tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts meld perfectly with the fragrant herbs and tender apples, making it impossible to resist. As you stir the mixture, the gleaming pieces of toasted cranberry walnut bread intersperse with vibrant bits of apple and glistening cranberries, creating a colorful and delicious treat that’s just begging to be savored.

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

This recipe brings back memories of holiday gatherings, where laughter mingled with the rich scent of spices filling the air. I can still picture the bustling kitchen, everyone vying for a taste of this stuffing straight from the oven. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, celebrated holidays, or simply bringing a bit of comfort to any occasion. Your guests will adore this delightful Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing, and I’m eager for you to try it at your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping this stuffing takes just about 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes of baking time, making it a breeze for weeknight dinners or festive feasts.
Irresistible Flavor: With the sweetness of apples and cranberries complemented by the rich nuttiness of walnuts, every bite is an explosion of comforting flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautifully golden crust along with colorful bits of fruit and herbs makes this stuffing not only delicious but also stunning on the table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a Sunday dinner, this stuffing fits into any occasion where food brings us together.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping out the bread and using gluten-free stock; it’s a welcoming option for everyone at the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Extra virgin olive oil: This adds depth and richness to the dish. Look for high-quality oil for the best flavor.
Large onion: Chopped into small pieces, it lends a savory sweetness to balance the tartness in the dish.
Apple: Diced apples provide a burst of juicy sweetness. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices, but any firm apple will work.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic elevates the overall flavor, lending a lovely aroma; fresh is best for that robust taste.
Rosemary: Freshly chopped gives the stuffing a piney, aromatic quality. If unavailable, a mix of herbs like thyme or sage can enhance the flavor as well.
Cranberry walnut bread: The star of the dish! The fruity notes and nutty crunch make this the perfect base. You may substitute this with any hearty bread, but avoid soft varieties.
Egg: A binding agent that helps hold everything together for a cohesive stuffing.
Heavy cream: It adds richness and moisture; you can use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Chicken stock: Use low-sodium or homemade stock for the best flavor while adjusting salt levels; vegetable stock works too for a vegetarian version.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste; they enhance the flavors of all ingredients.
Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Lightly coats the baking dish for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, grab a large pan and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. This will create a beautiful base for the stuffing, allowing for a wonderful blend of flavors.

Sauté Aromatics: Once the oil is shimmering, add in the chopped onions. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent. The fragrant smell will wrap around you, enticing your taste buds. Toss in your diced apple and cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting them soften slightly. Lastly, stir in the minced garlic and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute before removing from heat.

Combine Bread and Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, dump in your cubed cranberry walnut bread. Pour the delectable onion mixture over the top, ensuring each piece of bread catches some of that flavor. It should already smell divine!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg, the heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture is what brings your stuffing to life! Pour it over the bread mixture, tossing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. If it seems too dry, add a splash more stock; you want it moist, but not soggy!

Transfer and Bake: Lightly grease a small baking pan or a 2-quart baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it. Spray the top lightly with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the edges are browned, pulling it out when it feels set and fragrant. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma!

Serve and Garnish: Once it’s done baking, let your stuffing cool slightly before serving. If desired, sprinkle a few extra cranberries on top for a pop of color. Enjoy it warm alongside your favorite holiday main dishes.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it lasts for about 2 hours, but in the refrigerator, it can stay fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure you cover it tightly if you’re refrigerating it. You can also freeze the stuffing for up to 3 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed for moisture. Keep in mind that freezing may alter its texture slightly, but a good warm-up helps refresh its flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid undercooking your onions and garlic; make sure they are fragrant and slightly caramelized to enhance the overall flavor.
Let the egg and heavy cream mixture come to room temperature; this helps the stuffing blend evenly without shocking the bread.
Consider using day-old bread for better absorption of flavors and moisture; it won’t turn mushy as fresh bread might.
Experiment with adding roasted vegetables or dried fruits like apricots for a twist on the classic recipe!
If you want to prepare ahead of time, assemble the stuffing the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing beautifully intertwines savory and sweet elements, creating a comforting dish that everyone will adore. The combination of flavors and textures adds so much joy to the dining experience. I encourage you to experiment a bit—maybe add some cranberries or pecans of your own. The holidays are all about creativity and togetherness, after all. Enjoy this delightful stuffing with your family, and let it add warmth and flavor to your gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing the day before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for around 30 minutes until warmed through. Just keep a close eye on it, as some adjustments to baking time may be necessary depending on how chilled it is.

Can I substitute the bread for something gluten-free?

Certainly! You can use a gluten-free cranberry walnut bread or simply any firm gluten-free bread. Just make sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes. You might also want to check the stock to ensure it’s gluten-free for this dish.

How do I prevent my stuffing from becoming too dry?

The key to moist stuffing is ensuring the right balance of wet ingredients. If the mixture looks dry before baking, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken stock or cream. Cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to achieve that delightful browned top.

What can I serve this stuffing with?

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or even pork dishes. It also works well as a comforting side for a vegetarian feast alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty salad. Enjoy it as part of any delightful meal!