While turkey is often the star on Thanksgiving, the complex flavors of stuffing often steal the show. Because, whether that stuffing is a turkey-filler or served on the side, it’s savory appeal makes it the centerpiece of almost every Thanksgiving spread. From classic, to fruity, to savory, and everything in between, everyone has their favorite stuffing recipe to pair perfectly with their turkey.
One of our favorites is this Whole Grain Apple Cranberry Stuffing recipe from The Food Network’s Bobby Dean of “Not My Momma’s Meals.” The addition of Granny Smith apples and dried cranberries add just enough of a fruity bite to brighten up the dish. Homemade stuffing is one of the classic dishes that make the Thanksgiving meal wished for and dreamed about, and we are already dreaming about this one.
Ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, hot
- 1 cup dried cranberries (we love Ocean Spray Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 7 ribs)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped
- 6 cups day-old whole grain baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 large eggs, scrambled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 dried sage leaf, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 11-inch oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the broth and cranberries in a small bowl and let soak for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the celery and onions in the butter in a large skillet until tender, 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
- Place the baguette cubes into a large bowl. Pour the broth and cranberries over. Pour in the eggs, and then add the salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, cinnamon and sage and mix together.
- Mix in the onion and celery mixture. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared dish and bake until the center is set, 35 to 40 minutes.
