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; Rosemary; Cranberry Walnut Bread; Egg; Heavy Cream; Chicken Stock; Salt & Pepper; Olive Oil Spray

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The holidays are a time for warmth, love, and the magical aromas that fill our kitchens. Imagine walking into a home, and the first thing that greets you is the delightful scent of sautéed onions mingling with sweet apples and tart cranberries, all nestled within buttery toasted bread. That’s the essence of Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing. As it bakes, the top turns a lovely golden hue, enticing everyone to gather ‘round the table, eager to scoop a generous serving.

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

As I reflect on my family’s gatherings, I can’t help but remember how my grandmother would whip this up, her laughter echoing in the kitchen as the kids stole bites when she turned her back. This stuffing has always felt like a hug on a plate—perfectly cozy for robust fall dinners or festive holiday celebrations. I invite you to recreate this memory and make it your own. There’s nothing quite like the joy it brings, so roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this delicious journey of flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, this stuffing comes together easily.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet contrast of apple and cranberry combined with the earthiness of walnuts is truly divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Baked to a beautiful golden crisp, it looks as delightful as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: This dish fits beautifully into any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in gluten-free bread or enjoy without the egg for vegan adaptations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This adds a rich flavor essential for sautéing the onions. If you’re out, a neutral oil like canola works fine.
Large Onion: Chopped into small pieces, onions infuse a sweet, savory base that enhances the dish. Yellow onions are a great choice for this recipe.
Apple: A diced apple adds sweetness and moisture. Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the aroma and depth of flavor, melding perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
Rosemary: Fresh herbs like rosemary add a fragrant, earthy touch, but thyme or a mix can also work beautifully.
Cranberry Walnut Bread: The star of the show, cut into 1-inch cubes, this bread provides a unique flavor and texture. If unavailable, a good-quality whole grain bread or brioche can be used as a substitute.
Egg: Binding everything together, the egg helps achieve a cohesive stuffing. For vegan options, you can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds richness, resulting in a moist stuffing. Coconut cream can be a great dairy-free alternative.
Chicken Stock: Essential for hydrating the bread, this adds flavor. Vegetable broth works well too!
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste.
Olive Oil Spray: A light coating helps achieve that golden crust on top.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the stuffing cooks evenly with a beautiful crust. While that warms up, take out your favorite baking dish; a greased 2-quart pan should do the trick. It’s all about building that cozy foundation!

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan over medium-high heat, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped onions, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, toss in the diced apples and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they’re softened but still hold some shape. Stir in the minced garlic and rosemary, allowing everything to mingle for just a minute before removing it from the heat.

Combine Bread and Aromatics: Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the 1-inch cubes of cranberry walnut bread. Pour that beautiful onion and apple mix over the top, letting the warm aromas begin to work their magic on the bread.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. This rich mixture will ensure each bite of your stuffing is moist and flavorful. Pour this combo over the bread cubes, tossing everything until it’s well coated. If the mixture seems overly dry, feel free to add a splash more chicken stock to achieve your desired texture.

Transfer and Bake: Once everything is combined deliciously, transfer the stuffing mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. For that golden finish, lightly coat the top with olive oil spray. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden, and it’s bubbling around the edges, tempting your taste buds!

Serve Warm: After baking, let it cool slightly before serving. It’s wonderful warm, and feel free to garnish with extra cranberries for a festive touch. This stuffing not only fills your belly but warms the heart as well!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of your Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing, simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours after serving but should be refrigerated if not consumed. In the fridge, it will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but a splash of chicken stock can help refresh its moistness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Soggy Stuffing: Be careful not to over-soak the bread. Drizzle the liquid gradually to maintain a good, stuffing-like texture.
Room Temperature Egg: Using an egg at room temperature ensures it mixes smoothly, binding everything beautifully.
Home in on Timing: If you’re pairing this with a turkey, you can bake the stuffing while the turkey rests. It’s a fantastic way to optimize your oven time!
Texture Troubleshooting: If your stuffing turns out too dry, a little stock or melted butter stirred in can revive it.
Jazz it Up: Experiment with add-ins, like sausage or different herbs, to personalize it even more.
Make-ahead Option: Prep the stuffing the night before and bake it just before your meal to save time on the big day!

The delightful notes of sweet apples and tart cranberries paired with the nutty crunch from walnuts create an unforgettable dish that has a special way of bringing people together. Whether used as a delicious side for your holiday feast or a comforting addition to any cozy dinner, Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing is a dish that celebrates the flavors of the season.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving—this way, you can enjoy all those delicious aromas without the hassle!

What if I can’t find cranberry walnut bread?

No worries! You can use any good-quality bread, such as whole grain or sourdough. You might miss some of the distinctive flavors, but you can add a handful of dried cranberries and walnuts for a similar taste.

Can I adapt this for gluten-free diets?

Yes, just swap out the cranberry walnut bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll have a flavorful stuffing that everyone can enjoy!

How do I know when my stuffing is done?

Your stuffing is ready when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. You can always check the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re all set!