Description

Enjoy a vibrant and comforting Cranberry Apple Stuffing that blends the smoky crunch of turkey bacon, crisp fresh apples, tart dried cranberries, and aromatic fresh herbs. This easy-to-make side dish brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will enhance any autumn or holiday meal, with a moist, chewy, and golden baked finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced
2 medium fresh apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
8 cups whole wheat bread cubes (stale or day-old)
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the whole wheat bread into bite-sized cubes and set aside. Peel and chop the apples, finely chop the onion and celery, and mince the fresh herbs. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces for cooking.
Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Then add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Combine Bread and Fruit: Transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed bacon, vegetables, and apples over the bread. Add the dried cranberries and chopped fresh herbs, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
Add Liquids and Season: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the bread and fruit mixture. Fold together carefully so the bread absorbs the liquids without becoming mushy.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. 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 develop a crispy golden top. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use stale or day-old bread cubes to absorb moisture better and achieve ideal texture.
Gently fold ingredients to keep bread cubes intact and avoid mushy stuffing.
Fresh herbs enhance flavor more vibrantly than dried ones.
Prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience on cooking day.
Add vegetable broth gradually to maintain moistness without sogginess.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cranberry apple stuffing, fall side dish, vegetarian stuffing alternative, holiday side, savory stuffing