Description
Discover the rich flavors of Cranberry Apple Stuffing made with smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and a natural gelling agent. This festive side dish brings a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and smoky depth, enhanced with plant-based butter and vegetable broth for a moist, comforting texture that elevates any holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 8 cups whole wheat or sourdough bread cubes (day-old)
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon (to replace turkey bacon for vegan version)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños for spice
- Substitute herbs like tarragon, marjoram, or parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Vegetables: Cube your bread and toast it lightly until just crisp to create a base that holds moisture without getting mushy. Chop celery, onion, and apples into uniform pieces for even cooking and balanced texture.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Set bacon aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Use this fat to sauté onions and celery until soft and golden, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Combine Herbs and Fruit: Stir in finely chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme to the sautéed vegetables. Add fresh cranberries and apples, mixing gently so their juices blend with the savory base.
- Mix Ingredients with Broth and Seasonings: Return crispy turkey bacon to the pan and add toasted bread cubes. Pour in vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold in the natural gelling agent to ensure the stuffing holds together with the right moisture.
- Bake Until Golden and Delicious: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crisp.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better moisture absorption and ideal stuffing texture.
- Gently combine ingredients to avoid a mushy consistency.
- Toast bread evenly to help cubes hold their shape when baking.
- Fresh herbs contribute vibrant aroma and balanced flavor.
- Monitor baking time carefully; remove stuffing once the top is golden to prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Stuffing, holiday stuffing, baked stuffing, plant-based stuffing, stuffing side dish, vegetarian stuffing
