Description
This Cranberry Apple Stuffing recipe perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with smoked turkey bacon and fresh herbs. Tart cranberries, crisp apples, and rich smoked turkey bacon combined with whole wheat bread cubes create a colorful and flavorful stuffing that enhances any holiday meal. Simple to prepare and versatile, this dish offers delightful textures and a vibrant presentation that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, minced
- 8 cups whole wheat bread cubes (day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, warm
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and smoked turkey bacon. Cook until tender and lightly browned, allowing the flavors to meld and form the base of the stuffing.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Flavorings: Stir in the minced fresh thyme and sage, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to release the herbs’ fragrance and gently soften the vegetables.
- Combine Bread Cubes, Fruits, and Broth: In a large bowl, toss the whole wheat bread cubes with fresh cranberries and diced apples. Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread and slowly add warm vegetable broth, stirring gently until the bread is evenly moistened. Incorporate the natural gelling agent to help bind the stuffing without affecting its texture.
- Season and Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt and ground black pepper. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to create a golden, crisp top while keeping the inside tender.
Notes
- Use day-old bread cubes to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Add vegetable broth gradually to achieve the perfect stuffing consistency.
- Fresh thyme and sage provide a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Mix crunchy apples, chewy bread, and juicy cranberries for varied texture.
- Prepare the stuffing a day ahead to deepen the flavors and save time on the day of serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, holiday stuffing, smoked turkey bacon stuffing, savory sweet stuffing, gluten-free stuffing
