Name: Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf artisan sourdough bread, cut into cubes (about 9-10 cups); 1 1/2 cups diced celery; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 egg; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a side dish that’s bright, flavorful, and downright comforting, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe. I absolutely love how the tart cranberries and crisp apples bring a fresh twist to classic stuffing, making it perfect for holidays or any cozy meal. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries brighten up every bite.
Herbs That Bring It All Together: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage add incredible aroma and depth.
Sourdough Bread Base: Using artisan sourdough bread gives the stuffing a delicious tangy backbone and great texture.
Easy to Make and Adapt: Whether it’s for your holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is straightforward and flexible.

The image shows a close-up of a mixed stuffing with three main visible layers of ingredients. The bottom layer has soft, torn pieces of golden-brown toasted bread with a crisp texture on some edges. The middle layer contains small light yellow chunks of cooked apple and celery, adding a juicy and crunchy look. The top layer is scattered with bright red dried cranberries and green chopped parsley leaves, giving a fresh and colorful touch. All these layers blend closely together, showing a mix of soft, crunchy, and chewy textures. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Apple Stuffing, stuffing with cranberries and apples, holiday stuffing recipe, flavorful stuffing side dish, easy fruit stuffing

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe work together in harmony—each one playing its part, from the crunchy celery to the juicy apples. When shopping, opt for fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp to keep that perfect bite, and artisan sourdough bread to get the best texture.

Flat lay of a small rustic loaf of artisan sourdough bread cut into cubes scattered loosely, a few bright green celery stalks diced finely, a small mound of diced yellow onion, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a few Honeycrisp apples diced showing their red and yellow skin, a handful of glossy dried cranberries, a small pile of chopped flat leaf parsley, a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs with tiny green leaves, a few fresh rosemary sprigs with needle-like leaves, a few fresh sage leaves finely chopped showing their soft texture, a small square pat of unsalted butter, and two small white ceramic bowls filled with pale golden chicken broth and diced butter respectively, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Apple Stuffing, stuffing with cranberries and apples, holiday stuffing recipe, flavorful stuffing side dish, easy fruit stuffing

Artisan sourdough bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough holds up well after baking and adds a subtle tang.
Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness and adds creamy richness.
Diced celery: Gives crunch and freshness.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a subtly sweet and savory depth.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, sweet-tart apples add juice and texture.
Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tangy sweetness.
Chopped flat leaf parsley: Freshens up the flavors and brightens presentation.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage: These classic stuffing herbs bring earthiness and warmth.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe is one of those versatile classics I like to tweak depending on the occasion or what I have on hand—don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Add Sausage or Bacon: For a heartier version, I sometimes crumble in cooked sausage or crisped bacon; it adds savory depth that my family can’t resist.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins for a completely vegetarian dish that’s just as flavorful.
Use Different Fruits: In a pinch, dried cherries or fresh pears work beautifully, adding slightly different sweet notes.
Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy fall vibe I discovered adds a subtle layer of complexity.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Cut your artisan sourdough into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet (or two if needed). Toasting the bread dries it out and creates that perfect chewy-crunchy texture once baked into stuffing. Toss the cubes halfway through baking to ensure even crisping—about 25 minutes total. This step is key; if your bread isn’t dry enough, your stuffing will turn mushy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics, Apples, and Cranberries

While the bread toasts, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions, celery, salt, and pepper, stirring frequently for 7-8 minutes until everything softens and gets fragrant. Next, add diced Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and the finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Sauté another 3-4 minutes so the fruits begin to soften and the herbs release their amazing aromas.

Step 3: Combine, Season, and Moisten

Transfer your toasted bread cubes to a large bowl and pour the sautéed vegetable-fruit mixture on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and chicken broth, then pour this over the bread mixture. Stir gently to combine everything. At this point, season carefully with salt and pepper. The mixture should be moist but not wet—if it feels dry, add chicken broth a little at a time. I usually need an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth. Getting this consistency right is how you keep the stuffing juicy but not soggy in the oven.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour your stuffing mixture inside, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes so the top crisps up beautifully. Once golden and fragrant, your Cranberry Apple Stuffing is ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe

Dry Your Bread Well: Toasting the bread cubes until they’re nicely dried out helps avoid a mushy stuffing—patience pays off here!
Fresh Herbs Matter: I learned that fresh herbs make a much bigger flavor impact than dried, especially rosemary and sage.
Adjust Broth Gradually: Add broth slowly to avoid over-moistening; the stuffing should hold together but not be soupy.
Cover During Baking First: Covering the casserole with foil locks in moisture, then uncovering at the end crisps the top beautifully—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe

Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this stuffing with a little extra chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, I throw a few whole fresh cranberries on top for a pretty festive touch that makes the dish pop visually.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, but I also enjoy it alongside glazed carrots, sautéed green beans, or a fluffy mashed potato. My family goes crazy for it with a drizzle of homemade gravy, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to bake the stuffing in individual ramekins or a pretty cast-iron skillet for a rustic look. You can even stuff it inside a pumpkin or squash shell for a festive presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes great reheated. Be sure to refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stuffing successfully by letting it cool completely, packing it in freezer-safe containers, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating. It holds its texture well, which is a lifesaver for holiday meal prepping.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the stuffing with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, uncovering at the end to re-crisp the top. You can also microwave smaller portions but the oven method really preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover tightly and bake it fresh when ready. Alternatively, fully cooked stuffing can be reheated within a few days or frozen for longer storage.
What bread works best for this stuffing?

Artisan sourdough bread is ideal because it has a sturdy texture and subtle tang that complements the fruit and herbs. You can also use other sturdy breads like French bread or country loaf, just avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as it can get mushy.
How do I know if the stuffing is the right consistency before baking?

The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but not soupy or dripping liquid. Add broth gradually and stir until you reach this balance. This ensures a tender yet fluffy baked stuffing.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat add-ins. The herbs, apples, and cranberries pack plenty of flavor to keep it delicious and satisfying.
What can I serve alongside this Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe?

Classic pairings include roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. It’s also great with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it combines all the comforting elements of traditional stuffing with bright, fresh flavors that make every bite special. You’ll find it’s easy to make, flexible, and consistently a crowd-pleaser—perfect for holidays or anytime you want to elevate your meal. Give it a try, and I’m confident it’ll be a new family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!