Description
A festive and flavorful Cranberry Stuffing combining savory smoked turkey bacon, fresh cranberries, aromatic herbs, and a natural gelling agent for a moist, tender, and vibrant holiday side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 6 cups whole wheat or white bread cubes, day-old
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or apricots (as fruit swap)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or roasted butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or tarragon (herb switch)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or smoked paprika (spice boost)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Meanwhile, finely chop onions and celery. Roughly chop sage, thyme, and parsley. Rinse cranberries and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add onions and celery to the skillet with the crispy smoked turkey bacon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Stir in fresh herbs to release their aroma.
- Combine the Bread and Cranberries: In a large bowl, place bread cubes and toss with fresh cranberries to evenly distribute the tart flavor.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), ground black pepper, and sea salt. Add the natural gelling agent and whisk to incorporate, creating a binder for moisture and texture.
- Combine Everything: Pour the broth mixture over the bread cubes and cranberries. Fold in the bacon and aromatics from the skillet, tossing gently until the bread soaks up the flavorful liquid evenly without becoming mushy.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden and the stuffing is hot throughout with a savory-sweet aroma.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to absorb moisture better without falling apart.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent to maintain moistness and structure.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing to suit your taste before baking.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter, livelier flavors compared to dried.
- Cook onions and celery slowly to fully release their flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry stuffing, smoked turkey bacon, holiday side dish, festive recipe, savory and sweet stuffing
