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Perfect Apple Cranberry Stuffing with Fresh Herbs

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This Perfect Apple Cranberry Stuffing with Fresh Herbs is the ultimate holiday side dish, featuring sweet-tart dried cranberries, crunchy fresh apples, and a medley of woodsy herbs. It’s the stuffing that converts skeptics, with a crispy top and tender interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf (about 1 lb) crusty sourdough or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old is best)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, diced small (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Bread: If your bread isn’t day-old, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, until dry and slightly toasted. Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat and Grease: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cook 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the Apples and Garlic: Add diced apples and minced garlic, cook 3-4 minutes until apples start to soften. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and beaten eggs until well combined.
  6. Mix Everything Together: Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour sautéed vegetable and apple mixture over bread. Add dried cranberries and all fresh herbs. Toss gently until evenly distributed.
  7. Add the Broth Mixture: Slowly pour broth and egg mixture over bread mixture, drizzling evenly. Toss gently until all bread cubes are moistened. Let sit 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon stuffing into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Fold in nuts or sausage if using.
  9. Bake (Covered): Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Bake (Uncovered): Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and crispy.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Let stuffing rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old bread and dry it out. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for optimal flavor. The stuffing can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to covered baking time if starting cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cranberry stuffing, holiday stuffing, Thanksgiving stuffing, herb stuffing, sourdough stuffing

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/perfect-apple-cranberry-stuffing-with-fresh-herbs/