Description
This easy Cranberry Apple Stuffing perfectly captures fall flavors with fresh cranberries, crisp apples, smoky turkey bacon, and warm spices. It offers a bright, balanced, and comforting side dish, ideal for festive gatherings or cozy meals, with a satisfying combination of soft bread, juicy fruit, and crunchy bacon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into small strips
- 2 fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups whole wheat bread cubes, toasted
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the apples, onion, and celery into small bite-sized pieces. Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Lightly toast the whole wheat bread cubes in the oven until golden and slightly crunchy.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, sauté until softened and aromatic. Stir in smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Add fresh sage, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg and cook briefly to release their fragrance.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent until fully blended.
- Mix Everything Together: Transfer the sautéed mixture to a large bowl. Add toasted bread cubes, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Pour the broth mixture over and toss gently to combine, ensuring the bread soaks evenly without breaking apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the top is lightly crisp and golden. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use day-old bread cubes to absorb broth without becoming mushy.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep bread cubes intact and maintain texture.
- Adjust broth amount based on bread dryness to avoid sogginess.
- If adding toasted nuts, fold them in last before baking to keep crunch.
- Fresh herbs are preferred for vibrant flavor; dried herbs can be used in reduced amounts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry stuffing, apple stuffing, fall recipe, Thanksgiving side, turkey bacon stuffing, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural spices
