Description
This Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a festive side dish that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and savory flavors. Featuring fresh apples, vibrant cranberries, smoked turkey bacon, and a mix of fresh herbs, it offers a luscious, hearty texture held together by a natural gelling agent. This colorful stuffing is easy to prepare and brings warmth and brightness to any holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups whole wheat bread cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large crisp apple, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Binding Agent
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the whole wheat bread into evenly sized cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and slightly crisp, about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the bread soaks flavors without becoming mushy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and smoked turkey bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the savory base.
- Add Fruit and Herbs: Stir in fresh cranberries and diced apples to the skillet. Then add chopped parsley, sage, and thyme. Cook until cranberries just start to soften and herbs release their aroma, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the toasted bread cubes and fruit-herb mixture, gently folding to combine thoroughly.
- Integrate the Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly over the stuffing mixture and stir well to ensure it binds nicely. This creates a moist yet firm texture for baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden and slightly crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set perfectly.
Notes
- Use freshly chopped herbs for the brightest flavor impact.
- Add broth gradually to avoid a soggy stuffing.
- Cut ingredients into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Toast bread thoroughly to maintain texture and absorb juices.
- Allow stuffing to rest a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry, apple, stuffing, holiday side dish, smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent
