Description
Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a warm, plant-based dish combining tart cranberries, crisp apples, savory herbs, and hearty bread cubes. This simple bake offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, making it an ideal side for festive occasions or cozy meals year-round. Its vibrant colors and customizable nature add charm and deliciousness to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old sourdough or artisan bread cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups crisp apples, chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for nutty twist)
- 1 cup sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms (for mushroom magic)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or wild rice (for grain blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes (for spice)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural) or apple cider vinegar (for sweetness enhancement)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Fruits: Dice the day-old bread into bite-sized cubes and set aside. Chop the apples into small chunks, removing the cores but keeping the skin for color and nutrition. Rinse the cranberries gently and drain well.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. This mix creates the savory base that complements the sweet and tart elements perfectly.
- Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, apples, cranberries, fresh herbs, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vegetable broth, and natural gelling agent. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each bite is flavorful and moist. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in any optional ingredients if using.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better liquid absorption and moist but not soggy texture.
- Do not skip sautéing the onions and celery to build deeper flavors.
- Fresh sage and thyme provide brighter, more fragrant results compared to dried herbs.
- Add vegetable broth gradually to avoid overly wet stuffing.
- Let the stuffing rest a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, plant-based stuffing, holiday side dish, autumn recipe, gluten free stuffing
