Get ready to transform your holiday table with a stuffing so irresistible, it'll make everyone forget about the main course! This Winter Fruit and Nut Stuffing is not just a side dish - it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the warmth of toasted bread, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the rich crunch of walnuts. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or looking to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe promises to be your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread cubed bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until bread is lightly golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Sprinkle sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently toss to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten all ingredients without making them soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and lightly pressing down.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more authentic stuffing.
- Toast your bread cubes before mixing to add depth of flavor and prevent a soggy final result.
- Don't over-mix when adding broth - you want the bread moistened, not drowning.
- For extra richness, substitute half the vegetable broth with melted butter.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and set properly.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for your personal touch.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, add a bit more broth; for a crispier version, bake uncovered longer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
