Get ready to transform your holiday table with a stuffing recipe that's not just a side dish, but a flavor-packed sensation that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Apple Cranberry Pecan Stuffing combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements that elevate traditional stuffing from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender bread cubes infused with aromatic sage, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans – a culinary masterpiece that brings warmth, comfort, and irresistible taste to your festive spread.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon 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.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and diced apples.
- Sprinkle sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents soggy stuffing.
- Toast bread cubes before mixing to enhance their crispness and prevent mushiness.
- Don't overdo the vegetable broth - add slowly and mix carefully to maintain the right moisture level.
- For extra richness, consider substituting half the vegetable broth with melted butter.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure your vegetable broth is high-quality and well-seasoned.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 259kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
