If you’ve been searching for a dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of crunch, look no further than this Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe. It combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the crisp sweetness of apples, and the hearty texture of walnuts all nestled into tender, flavorful bread cubes. This stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s the star on any holiday table or cozy family dinner, bringing warmth and irresistible aromas that invite everyone to dig in. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple yet play an essential role in creating a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each element brings something special to the table—whether it’s the earthiness of rosemary, the juiciness of apples, or the slight crunch from walnuts, making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness to help soften the aromatics and bring everything together.
- Large onion, chopped: The base flavor that brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Apple, diced: Provides a juicy sweetness and a crisp texture contrast.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses subtle savory warmth to brighten the dish.
- Rosemary, chopped: Offers an earthy pine aroma that elevates the stuffing.
- Cranberry walnut bread cubes: The heart of the recipe; its tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts create a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure to the stuffing so it holds its shape after baking.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy softness to the overall texture.
- Chicken stock: Moistens the bread perfectly while lending a savory depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Helps crisp up the top of the stuffing during baking.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready for baking, which will help that delicious stuffing develop a beautifully browned crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Apples
In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped onions, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their sweetness as they cook. Let them soften and become translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the diced apples, cooking them for another 3 to 5 minutes until they just start to soften—this juicy sweetness will brighten the overall dish. Stir in the minced garlic and rosemary for a quick minute to release their wonderful fragrance, then remove the pan from heat to keep those flavors fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Combine the Bread and Fruit Mixture
Place your loaf of cranberry walnut bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, into a big mixing bowl. Pour the fragrant sautéed onion, apple, and herb mixture right on top. The heat from the mixture will gently soften the bread cubes, setting the foundation for a moist stuffing.
Step 4: Mix the Binding Liquid
Whisk together the egg, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Pour this liquid mixture slowly over the bread and fruit mixture. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything well so each piece of bread gets coated and lush with flavor. If the bread looks dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken stock to get it just right—it should be moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the stuffing into a greased small baking pan or a 2-quart baking dish. Give the top a light misting with olive oil spray to encourage a crisp, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the edges develop a beautiful brown color and the top feels set to the touch. Your kitchen will fill with the most welcoming aroma that’s sure to get everyone excited for dinner.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the stuffing rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm as a perfect complement to your main dishes or as a standout centerpiece on its own. This Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe is guaranteed to steal the show.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh cranberries on top just before serving for a burst of color and a pop of tartness. A few chopped walnuts or a small sprig of rosemary also make charming, aromatic garnishes to elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, but it also shines alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness with a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this stuffing inside hollowed-out apples or small pumpkins. Alternatively, bake individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again without extra work.
Freezing
This Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of cranberry walnut bread?
Absolutely! While cranberry walnut bread adds a unique sweetness and texture, you can substitute with other sturdy breads like sourdough or brioche. To mimic the flavor, consider adding extra dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the mixture.
Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the chicken stock for vegetable stock. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying without compromising on taste.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it according to the recipe instructions.
How can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free bread loaf with similar texture to cranberry walnut bread or another gluten-free variety. Make sure to check all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The flavor combination will still be delicious.
What can I add to make the stuffing more savory?
For a deeper savory note, try adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. Fresh sage is another herb that complements rosemary beautifully in stuffing recipes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made stuffing, and this Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe truly captures all the magic of home-cooked goodness. It’s a fantastic combination of flavors and textures that bring warmth and cheer to any meal. Whether it’s your holiday centerpiece or a weekday sidekick, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you will not be disappointed!
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Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and festive Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing featuring a delightful mix of tart cranberries, sweet apples, aromatic rosemary, and crunchy walnuts. This tasty side dish is perfect for holiday meals, combining the freshness of fruit with savory herbs, all baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 large onion, chopped into small pieces
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped (or use a mix of rosemary and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Breads and Nuts
- 1 loaf cranberry walnut bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (*see substitution note below)
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (add more as needed to moisten the bread)
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Others
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare it for baking the stuffing later.
- Sauté Vegetables and Fruit: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced apples and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, cooking for an additional minute before removing the pan from heat.
- Combine Bread and Veggie Mixture: Place the cubed cranberry walnut bread into a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooked onion, apple, garlic, and rosemary mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss together.
- Mix Liquids and Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and vegetable mix. Toss thoroughly to combine, adding a little more chicken stock if the bread looks too dry to ensure a moist stuffing.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined stuffing mixture into a greased small baking pan or a 2-quart baking dish. Lightly spray the top with olive oil spray to help with browning and to prevent drying out.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges are nicely browned and the top feels firm and set.
- Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra cranberries for added color and tartness.
Notes
- If cranberry walnut bread is unavailable, you can substitute with any fruit and nut bread or even a rustic white or sourdough bread and add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts separately.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to preference; remember the bread and stock may add saltiness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and ensure bread and cream align with dietary choices.
- Adding extra chicken stock during mixing helps achieve the preferred moistness without making the stuffing soggy.
- Olive oil spray aids in browning the stuffing top without excess oiliness.
