cranberry turkey stuffing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cranberry turkey stuffing recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional American cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes to make during the holidays is cranberry turkey stuffing. There’s something about the combination of sweet and savory flavors that just makes me happy.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a big dinner party or just want to make a delicious meal for your loved ones.

The cranberries add a lovely tartness to the dish, which complements the richness of the turkey perfectly. I love that this recipe is also relatively healthy, considering it’s made with whole wheat bread and fresh herbs.

Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, whether you like to add some diced apples or a sprinkle of thyme on top. My kids even love helping me mix everything together – it’s a great way to get them involved in the cooking process without feeling overwhelmed.

As for me, I just love how this recipe transports me back to those cozy family gatherings around the holidays. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a tradition that brings us all together.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

4.8 from 1336 votes

A festive and flavorful stuffing recipe featuring cranberries and turkey, perfect for holiday meals. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

2 cups cubed stale bread
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup turkey broth

For the Topping

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed stale bread, dried cranberries, chopped onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper.
3Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4In a separate pan, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
5Drain excess fat.
6Add cooked turkey to the bread mixture and stir to combine.
7Gradually pour in turkey broth while stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
8Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
9Spread the mixture evenly and pat down gently.
10Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
12Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center; it should come out hot.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, sauté the onions and celery in a bit of butter before adding to the bread mixture. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and sweetness.

This cranberry turkey stuffing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s not just for Thanksgiving; it works well for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to add something special to your meal. It’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a main course.

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven method helps retain the crispy texture.

It is also freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before freezing and reheat in the oven until warmed through. I love serving it with a side of cranberry sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor and creaminess.

It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table and makes every meal feel special.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Q: What type of bread do you recommend using for this recipe?

I prefer to use whole wheat bread for this recipe because it adds a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture that pairs well with the cranberries and herbs.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance, but I recommend assembling the entire dish just before baking to ensure everything stays fresh and flavorful.

Q: How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?

The key is to not overmix the ingredients, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly. Also, make sure not to overbake the dish – you want it to be lightly golden brown on top and still tender in the center.

Q: Can I substitute other types of nuts or seeds for the walnuts?

While walnuts are traditional in this recipe, you can definitely use other types of nuts or seeds if you prefer. Some options might include chopped pecans or hazelnuts for added richness or sesame seeds for added crunch.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, unfortunately not – this recipe does contain turkey sausage as one of its main ingredients. However, if you’d like to adapt it for vegetarian diets, you could easily substitute in some roasted vegetables or tofu instead.

Similar Posts