The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Sara, and one of my favorite memories of holiday cooking involves making cranberry walnut stuffing with my family. I remember the first time I added cranberries and toasted walnuts to traditional stuffing it was Thanksgiving morning, and the aroma of herbs, butter, and warm bread filled the kitchen. The combination of sweet, tart cranberries with crunchy walnuts instantly elevated the dish, and everyone kept coming back for seconds. Since then, this cranberry walnut stuffing has been a staple for my holiday table and a favorite for cozy weeknight dinners when I want something comforting yet flavorful.
What I love about cranberry walnut stuffing is the balance of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery bread soaks up the savory herbs while the cranberries add a subtle sweetness and the walnuts provide crunch. Every bite feels like a perfect harmony of taste and aroma. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a stress-free side dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian main, this cranberry walnut stuffing is a dish everyone will love. It’s comforting, festive, and packed with flavor that brings people together around the table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough works best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest for a bright note
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. - Prepare Bread Cubes
If your bread isn’t already dry, bake cubes in the oven for 10–15 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside. - Sauté Vegetables and Herbs
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. - Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, walnuts, and parsley. If using, add orange zest. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth gradually, tossing until bread is moist but not soggy. - Bake the Stuffing
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and crispy. - Serve Warm
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This cranberry walnut stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffing as a side with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or your favorite vegetarian entrée. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, walnuts, or a few extra cranberries for a festive touch. It’s also delicious alongside mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete holiday plate.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; it soaks up the broth without becoming mushy.
- Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust broth quantity depending on how moist you like your stuffing.
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or apples for a unique twist.
Recipe Card 🦃
Time ⏰: 50 minutes
Ingredients 📝: See Ingredients section above
Instructions 👩🍳: Follow Step-by-Step Instructions
Note 💡: Day-old bread works best. Toast walnuts to enhance flavor. Adjust broth for desired moisture.
Nutrition 🥗 (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Short 100-Word Version
This Cranberry Walnut Stuffing is a flavorful, festive side dish perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Cubed day-old bread is mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, then seasoned with sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Dried cranberries and toasted walnuts add a perfect balance of sweet and crunchy textures. Gradually moisten with chicken or vegetable broth, then bake until golden and crispy on top. Served warm, this stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or vegetarian mains. Simple, delicious, and packed with flavor, this cranberry walnut stuffing is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Conclusion
Making cranberry walnut stuffing is an easy way to add a festive, flavorful touch to any meal. The sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender, buttery bread combine to create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, this stuffing is both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. From the first bite to the last, it brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of tradition to your table. Give this cranberry walnut stuffing recipe a try—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!