What’s the best bread to use for apple cranberry stuffing?

For optimal texture, use a dense country white bread —something with a chewy crust and tight crumb. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which can become mushy. The drier and more structured your bread, the better it will soak up the broth without falling apart.

Can I make apple cranberry stuffing in advance?

Yes, this recipe is make-ahead friendly . After assembling the stuffing in the baking dish (before baking), cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and avoid thermal shock to your dish.

How do I keep stuffing from becoming too dry or too soggy?

The key is balanced moisture and bread texture . Make sure your bread is properly dried before combining with the wet ingredients. If the mixture looks dry before baking, add up to ½ cup extra broth. If you prefer a crispy top with a soft interior, bake uncovered as instructed.

Apple Cranberry Stuffing – Best Holiday Side Dish Idea

Name: Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz) loaf dense country white bread, cubed (about 14 cups): base of the stuffing, absorbs broth without becoming mushy; 3/4 cup salted butter: adds richness and helps sauté vegetables; 2 medium onions, chopped: provides sweetness and umami depth; 4 stalks celery, chopped: adds crunch and earthy flavor; 3 small Gala apples, chopped: adds sweetness and moisture; 1 tsp dried sage: classic herb for warm, savory flavor; 1 tsp dried thyme: adds earthy, slightly minty flavor; 1/2 tsp kosher salt: enhances overall taste; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: moistens the bread and blends flavors; 1 cup dried cranberries: adds tart-sweet bursts of flavor; 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped: brightens and finishes the dish

Description

This Apple Cranberry Stuffing is a sweet and savory holiday classic, combining dried cranberries, chopped apples, herbs, and crusty country bread for a fluffy, flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (16-oz) loaf dense country white bread, cubed (about 14 cups): base of the stuffing, absorbs broth without becoming mushy
3/4 cup salted butter: adds richness and helps sauté vegetables
2 medium onions, chopped: provides sweetness and umami depth
4 stalks celery, chopped: adds crunch and earthy flavor
3 small Gala apples, chopped: adds sweetness and moisture
1 tsp dried sage: classic herb for warm, savory flavor
1 tsp dried thyme: adds earthy, slightly minty flavor
1/2 tsp kosher salt: enhances overall taste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: moistens the bread and blends flavors
1 cup dried cranberries: adds tart-sweet bursts of flavor
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped: brightens and finishes the dish

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Instructions

Spread out the bread cubes on two baking sheets. Loosely cover and let dry out for 24 to 48 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add chopped Gala apples; cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in dried sage, thyme, and kosher salt to blend flavors.
Pour in 3½ cups of chicken broth. Simmer for 6–7 minutes until apples are tender.
Remove from heat. Stir in dried cranberries, followed by the dried bread cubes. Toss to combine, adding remaining ½ cup of broth if needed.
Fold in chopped fresh parsley evenly throughout the mixture.
Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Let rest for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

Use stale or oven-dried bread for best texture.
Make ahead up to 2 days and bake just before serving.
Vegetarian? Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Add sausage for a heartier variation.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours for bread drying)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg