Description
This easy cranberry stuffing features a perfect harmony of tangy cranberries and smoky smoked turkey bacon, enriched with plant-based ingredients for a rich texture. Its vibrant colors and festive flavors make it a standout side dish for any holiday meal, offering a moist, tender bite that delights every guest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups plant-based bread cubes (slightly stale)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the celery, onions, and smoked turkey bacon into small, even pieces. Lightly toast the plant-based bread cubes to firm them up and help them soak flavors without becoming mushy.
- Sauté the aromatics and smokiness: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until golden and slightly crisp. Then, add the onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the toasted bread cubes, dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Gently pour vegetable broth over the mixture and add the natural gelling agent to bind it just enough to hold together without being dense.
- Bake until golden and fragrant: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy while the inside remains soft and moist.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread as it absorbs liquids better without turning mushy during baking.
- Do not over-soak; add broth gradually to maintain the perfect moist but not soggy consistency.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible to brighten the dish.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to enhance flavors and stabilize texture.
- Use a shallow, wide baking dish for even cooking and a crispy top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry stuffing, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based stuffing, festive side dish, holiday recipe
