Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of warm stuffing baking in the oven. This Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing captures that feeling perfectly — cozy, festive, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of the season. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or simply want to bring some warmth to your table, this dish delivers a balance of savory and sweet that’s hard to resist.

Inspired by traditional bread stuffings passed down through generations, this version takes on a vibrant twist with crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple meal into something memorable — hearty, rustic, and full of texture. If you’re looking for a stuffing that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even as a standalone vegetarian centerpiece, this recipe brings together everything you love about comforting, seasonal cooking.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffing isn’t just another side dish — it’s a celebration of fall and winter flavors in every bite. Here’s what makes it special:

• Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of apples and cranberries complements the nutty crunch of walnuts and the savoriness of herbs.

• Perfect Texture: The bread absorbs just the right amount of broth, staying moist but slightly crisp on top.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for large gatherings or intimate dinners, this recipe serves beautifully as a side or a main.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it a day ahead and bake when needed, saving time during busy cooking days.

If you’ve ever wanted a stuffing that’s both classic and a little bit special, this one fits the bill.

---

Ingredients

Bread Base

• 10 cups of day-old bread cubes (preferably French or sourdough)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

Seasoning and Herbs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely crushed

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Liquid Mixture

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Optional Additions

• ½ cup finely chopped carrots for added sweetness

• ½ cup diced mushrooms for an earthy depth

---

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your cubed bread evenly onto two large baking sheets. Toast the bread for about 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s dry and slightly golden. This step ensures that the bread soaks up the flavors without becoming mushy. Once done, transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl to cool.

2. Sauté the Vegetables and Apples

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they become tender and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Next, add the diced apples and cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. The apples will add a lovely hint of sweetness that balances the herbs beautifully.

3. Combine with Cranberries and Walnuts

Stir in the dried cranberries and toasted walnuts, allowing them to heat gently in the skillet for about 1–2 minutes. The warmth helps release the aroma of the nuts and softens the cranberries slightly. Pour this mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the large mixing bowl.

4. Season Everything

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley. Toss everything gently with a large spoon or your hands to evenly distribute the flavors. This is where your kitchen will start to smell incredible — earthy herbs, buttery apples, and toasted bread all blending together.

5. Add the Broth and Eggs

Whisk together the vegetable or chicken broth and beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually pour this liquid over the bread mixture, tossing gently after each addition to ensure even coating. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy. Depending on the bread type and dryness, you might need slightly more or less broth.

6. Transfer and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or oil. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp. The inside should be tender and aromatic.

7. Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the stuffing to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to portion. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch, and serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.

---

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread tends to become soggy. A slightly stale loaf gives you the ideal texture for stuffing.

2. Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting enhances the bread’s ability to absorb broth while keeping its structure.

3. Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp maintain their shape and flavor through baking.

4. Balance Moisture: Add broth gradually until the bread is just moistened. Too much liquid can turn the stuffing dense.

5. Make It Ahead: Assemble the stuffing up to one day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.

6. Vegetarian Friendly: Using vegetable broth makes this a fully vegetarian dish without sacrificing flavor.

---

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

• Roasted Chicken: The sweet-tart contrast of apples and cranberries enhances roasted poultry perfectly.

• Herb-Rubbed Turkey: A classic pairing that never fails — the herbal notes in both dishes complement each other.

• Vegetarian Entrée: Serve with roasted squash or stuffed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free meal.

• Salad on the Side: Pair with a crisp green salad featuring spinach, arugula, and a light citrus vinaigrette.

• Soup Pairing: Try it alongside a creamy butternut squash or carrot soup for a cozy, balanced meal.

---

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of stuffing is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.

• Dried Fruit: Replace cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or apricots for a slightly different sweetness.

• Bread Types: Whole-grain, sourdough, or even brioche all work well, depending on the flavor you want.

• Add Vegetables: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, leeks, or even roasted butternut squash for extra depth.

• Spice Boost: For a hint of warmth, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples while they cook.

Each version brings out a different character in the dish, making it easy to reinvent throughout the season.

---

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers — and you probably will — this stuffing stores beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in resealable bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. To keep it from drying out, cover loosely with foil during reheating.

Pro tip: Add a splash of broth before reheating to refresh the moisture and flavor.

---

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

If you’re planning a big dinner, this stuffing can save you time and stress when made in advance.

To Make Ahead:
Prepare the stuffing completely up to the baking step. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

To Freeze:
Cool the baked stuffing completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through.

---

FAQs

1. Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Making this Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing vegetarian-friendly is incredibly simple, and you won’t lose any of the flavor or heartiness. The easiest swap is to replace the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. Choose one that’s rich in flavor, ideally with notes of roasted vegetables or herbs, as it adds depth and a savory base to your stuffing. You can even make your own broth using onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs simmered together for about an hour. The butter used in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but if you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based butter or olive oil. These changes make the dish completely suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing that classic, comforting taste and aroma that make stuffing such a beloved favorite.

2. What type of bread works best?
The foundation of great stuffing lies in the bread, and the type you choose can make all the difference. Day-old French bread or sourdough is ideal because it strikes the perfect balance between structure and absorbency. The bread’s slightly firm, chewy texture allows it to soak up the flavorful broth and butter mixture without becoming soggy. Sourdough, in particular, adds a subtle tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apples and cranberries. If you prefer a milder flavor, French or Italian loaves are equally good choices. Avoid using overly soft sandwich bread or enriched breads like brioche, as they tend to turn mushy once combined with the liquid ingredients. The key is to let the bread dry out before assembling — either by toasting it in the oven or leaving it uncovered overnight. This ensures your final dish has the perfect texture: crisp on top, tender inside, and full of flavor.

3. Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about this recipe — it’s make-ahead friendly! Preparing your stuffing a day in advance saves time and reduces stress, especially when cooking multiple dishes. To do this, assemble the entire recipe up to the baking step. Once mixed, transfer the stuffing to your baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will actually deepen as the bread absorbs the seasoned broth and herbs. When you’re ready to serve, remove the dish from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. Then bake as directed — covered first to steam, and uncovered to achieve that golden, crispy top. The result is just as delicious and fresh as if you made it the same day.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Creating a gluten-free version of this stuffing is easy and just as satisfying as the traditional one. Start by choosing a quality gluten-free bread that has a good crumb and texture — rustic-style loaves or multigrain gluten-free options work particularly well. Cut the bread into cubes and toast them in the oven to help them firm up, which mimics the texture of regular bread cubes. From there, follow the recipe exactly as written, using the same mix of butter, herbs, apples, cranberries, and walnuts. The key is ensuring your broth is gluten-free too, as some store-bought brands can contain hidden gluten in seasonings or additives. With these small adjustments, you’ll have a flavorful, moist, and perfectly textured stuffing that everyone — gluten-free or not — will enjoy.

Print