Dinner

Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Name: Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 white onion, diced; 4 celery stalks, diced; 1 Granny Smith apple, diced; 3 tsp poultry seasoning; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 2 tsp dried parsley; 2.5 cups turkey stock; 8 cups white bread cubes; ¾ cup butter; ¼ cup dried cranberries

BySana Jeannette November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

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Introduction

This Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a delicious twist on a classic side dish, combining sweet and savory flavors with tender bread cubes and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect for holiday meals or any cozy family dinner.

Inside a white rectangular baking dish, there is a colorful stuffing mixture made of small, golden-brown toasted bread cubes layered throughout. Mixed in are bright green celery pieces, deep red dried cranberries, and light beige apple chunks, with bits of finely chopped purple onions scattered evenly. Two wooden spoons with natural wood grain rest and scoop into the dish from opposite sides. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a soft grey cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup butter
1 white onion, diced

4 celery stalks, diced
1 Granny Smith apple, diced

3 tsp poultry seasoning
2.5 cups turkey stock

1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried parsley

¼ cup dried cranberries
8 cups white bread cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the celery, apple, and onion into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, diced celery, onion, and apple. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the poultry seasoning, mixing well to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the sautéed mixture to a large bowl. Add the bread cubes, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, dried cranberries, and turkey stock. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 6: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes to absorb the flavors better and prevent sogginess.
For a nutty crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts before baking.
Substitute turkey stock with vegetable or chicken stock if preferred.

Add fresh chopped sage for an extra layer of herbal flavor.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven method helps retain crispness.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with stuffing made of roughly cut golden-brown bread cubes as the main layer. Mixed in are chopped pieces of red apple with skins on, bright green celery slices, translucent cooked onion bits, and deep red dried cranberries, all evenly spread on top. Small green herb sprinkles add a fresh touch, and a shiny gold spoon lifts a serving from the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a folded red checkered cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve for the best texture.

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure the gluten-free bread cubes are sturdy enough to hold the moisture without becoming overly mushy.

Sana Jeannette