Easy Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

This easy cranberry stuffing is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a burst of flavor. Perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner, it’s both comforting and festive.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (cubed)
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 1 celery rib (chopped)
• 12 cups seasoned stuffing cubes
• 1 green apple (finely chopped)
• 1 red apple (finely chopped)
• 2 cups cooked wild rice (or wild rice mix)
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried raisins
• 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in the stuffing cubes, chopped green and red apples, cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, raisins, chopped pecans, dried parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to combine well.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir in enough chicken or vegetable broth to reach your desired moistness.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
8. Step 8: Garnish with slivered almonds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and almonds or substitute with sunflower seeds.
• Use vegetarian broth to make this dish meat-free while keeping rich flavor.
• Try adding fresh herbs like sage or thyme for extra aroma and depth.
• If you prefer, swap wild rice for brown rice or quinoa for a different texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

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 ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Is it possible to freeze the leftover stuffing?

Absolutely. Let the stuffing cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Easy Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Easy Cranberry Stuffing recipe combines traditional holiday flavors with a delightful twist of fresh apples, dried cranberries, and nuts baked to golden perfection. It’s a moist, flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any roasted meat or festive meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 1 celery rib (chopped)
• 1 green apple (finely chopped)
• 1 red apple (finely chopped)

Dried Fruit & Nuts

• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried raisins
• 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Staples & Seasonings

• 1/2 cup butter (cubed)
• 12 cups seasoned stuffing cubes
• 2 cups cooked wild rice (or wild rice mix)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the stuffing.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the cubed butter over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and chopped celery, cooking and stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the seasoned stuffing cubes, finely chopped green and red apples, cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, dried raisins, roughly chopped pecans, dried parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Toss everything together to combine well.
4. Add Broth: Stir in enough chicken or vegetable broth—between 1 1/2 to 2 cups—to achieve your desired stuffing moisture level.
5. Bake Stuffing: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread evenly and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top once out of the oven for added crunch and garnish, then serve warm as a perfect side dish for your meal.

Notes

• You can substitute vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
• For extra savory flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like sage.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, omit pecans and almonds or replace with seeds.
• Use gluten-free stuffing cubes if a gluten-free dish is desired.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on broth used.
• Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry stuffing, holiday stuffing, baked stuffing, thanksgiving side dish, wild rice stuffing, easy cranberry stuffing