Best 8 Cranberry Dried Fruit Stuffing Recipes

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**Cranberry Dried Fruit Stuffing: A Classic Holiday Side Dish with a Modern Twist**

Cranberry dried fruit stuffing is a beloved holiday dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This flavorful, aromatic, and versatile side dish is a staple of many holiday tables, and for good reason. Made with a combination of bread cubes, dried fruits, herbs, and spices, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that perfectly complements any main course. This article presents a collection of cranberry dried fruit stuffing recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and tastes, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this classic dish. From traditional recipes using white bread and butter to healthier versions featuring whole-wheat bread and olive oil, there's a recipe to suit every palate. Additionally, there are recipes that incorporate unique ingredients like sausage, nuts, and even cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you prefer a classic or a more modern take on this timeless dish, you're sure to find a recipe in this article that will make your holiday meal truly special.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HERB STUFFING WITH DRIED FRUIT



Herb Stuffing with Dried Fruit image

This bread stuffing with mixed dried fruit, sage, thyme and parsley makes a great accompaniment for roast turkey.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h

Yield 8-10

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering the baking dish
One 1-pound loaf sliced white sandwich bread
3/4 cup mixed chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries and figs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
1 large apple, such as Golden Delicious, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Cut or tear the bread into bite-size pieces. Divide between 2 rimmed baking sheets and spread into a single layer. Bake until slightly dry and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried fruit, sage, thyme, apple, onion, celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and parsley and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and pour into a large bowl.
  • Add the toasted bread to the onion mixture and toss until evenly moistened. Stir in the egg. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and evenly spread without packing the stuffing down too much. Bake until the top is crusty, about 40 minutes. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over the top. Continue to bake until the top is crisp and golden, about 20 minutes more. Garnish with parsley and thyme.

CRANBERRY STUFFING



Cranberry Stuffing image

With their delightfully chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor, dried cranberries are the perfect addition to stuffing. So this Thanksgiving, why not make cranberry stuffing for a lovely fruity variation on what's otherwise a completely classic recipe. With plenty of butter and traditional aromatics in the mix-sage, thyme, onion-bread soaks up all sorts of rich flavor. Once you get a taste of this dish, we think you'll agree dried cranberries are the ingredient you didn't know your Thanksgiving stuffing was missing!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup butter or margarine
3 medium celery stalks (with leaves), chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
9 cups soft bread cubes (15 slices)
1/2 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook celery and onion in butter, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. Stir in about one-third of the bread cubes. Place in large bowl. Add remaining bread cubes and ingredients; toss.
  • Stuff turkey just before roasting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 380 mg

SAUSAGE, DRIED CRANBERRY AND APPLE STUFFING



Sausage, Dried Cranberry and Apple Stuffing image

Serve a hearty side of Food Network's Sausage, Dried Cranberry and Apple Stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving dinner.

Provided by The Hearty Boys

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound mild bulk breakfast sausage
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white and pale-green parts only, cleaned well (about 2 large leeks)
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped celery with leaves
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 cup dried cranberries, rehydrated in boiling water for 15 minutes and drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 cups boxed bread cubes (croutons)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 to 3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Saute the sausage in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and drippings to a large bowl. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to the skillet and saute until the leeks are soft, about 8 minutes. Mix in the drained cranberries, sage and rosemary. Add the mixture to the sausage, then mix in the croutons and parsley. Next add the chicken stock a little at a time until the stuffing is very moist. Be sure not to overdo it; it shouldn't be mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a casserole dish. (The stuffing can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)
  • Bake in a 14-inch oval or 9 by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish and place, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the center piping hot. Remove and serve immediately.

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Categories     Herb     Vegetable     Side     Bake     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Fig     Apricot     Cherry     Fall     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

9 cups 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces French bread cubes without crust (from about 12 ounces bread)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
4 1/2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 1/4 cups dry Sherry
1 3/4 cups dried Mission figs (about 91/2 ounces), chopped
1 1/4 cups dried tart cherries (about 6 ounces)
1 1/4 cups dried apricots (about 6 ounces), chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1 1/4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
3 large eggs, beaten to blend

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Place bread cubes in very large bowl. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery to skillet; sauté until vegetables are tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Add Sherry, figs, cherries, apricots, sage, thyme and rosemary; cook until fruit is tender and liquid is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 7 minutes. Add to bread cubes; stir to blend. (Stuffing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Add stock to stuffing; season with salt and pepper. Mix in beaten eggs.
  • Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top begins to crisp, about 25 minutes longer.

CRANBERRY PECAN STUFFING



Cranberry Pecan Stuffing image

While I love stuffing, my family wasn't that fond of it-that is, until I found this recipe. I added a few touches of my own and now they gobble it up. Cranberries and pork really make it something special. -Robin Lang, Muskegon, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h10m

Yield 13 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
6 cups seasoned stuffing cubes
1 medium tart apple, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring orange juice and cranberries to a boil. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl., In the same skillet, melt butter. Add celery and onion; saute until tender. Stir in poultry seasoning., Add to sausage mixture. Stir in the stuffing cubes, orange juice mixture, apple, pecans, salt, pepper and enough broth to reach desired moistness., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 325° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 532mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

DRIED CRANBERRY, APPLE & FIG STUFFING



Dried Cranberry, Apple & Fig Stuffing image

Something different! I made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. A really nice change from the usual sauasage and onion stuffing. Fruity, very delicious and quite easy. From Bon Appetit magazine. The recipe makes quite a lot. We loved the leftovers.

Provided by Messy44

Categories     Fruit

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups chopped onions (about 1 pound)
2 cups chopped celery (about 4-5 stalks)
1 lb granny smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into cubes (about 2 medium)
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
1 cup chicken broth, low-salt (plus more, if needed)
1 cup diced stemmed dried fig
1/2 cup dreid cranberries
12 cups bread cubes, with crust (day old ciabatta, rustic bread or sourdough, cut in 1 inch cubes)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery. Saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add apples and all herbs, saute until apples just begin to soften, about 3 minutes. (This can be made 1 day ahead). Put in medium bowl, cover and chill.
  • Mix 1 cup broth and dried fruit in a bowl. Let soak at least 1 hour (up to 3 hours).
  • Preheat oven to 350. Divide bread between 2 rimmed baking sheets and bake until bread is crusty but not hard,(switching placement of the sheets after 5 minutes) - bake 10 to 12 minutes total. Put in very large bowl and cool.
  • Butter 13x9 baking dish. Stir vegetable mixture into bread.
  • Whisk eggs, salt and pepper in small bowl to blend, then whisk in broth with dried fruit. Add egg mixture to stuffing, tossing to combine evenly and adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if dry. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish.
  • Bake uncovered until cooked through and brown and crusty on top, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374.9, Fat 15.1, SaturatedFat 8.2, Cholesterol 83.4, Sodium 933.8, Carbohydrate 54.7, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 20.6, Protein 8

CRANBERRY STUFFING



Cranberry Stuffing image

This is an original recipe for those who like trying something a little different. Using cranberries, walnuts, and golden raisins, you can make a stuffing that sweetens your Thanksgiving meal! I'm not actually sure how well it does when baked in a turkey. I find that putting stuffing in the bird tends to dry the bird.

Provided by DAELAYNA

Categories     Side Dish     Casseroles

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
1 ½ cups golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • Combine the bread, cranberries, raisins, and walnuts in a large bowl. Whisk together the brown sugar and butter in a separate bowl; season with cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; stir into the bread cubes until evenly distributed. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until crisp on top, 45 to 60 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.4 calories, Carbohydrate 53.8 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 300.3 mg, Sugar 27.4 g

CRANBERRY-DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Cranberry-Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Make this for our Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Yield Makes about 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish and baking
1/2 loaf rustic white or Italian bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
9 dried pear halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
1/4 cup dried currants
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon minced, peeled ginger
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups seeded, coarsely chopped, cooked quinces from Quince Syrup
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Toss with bread cubes in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, tossing once, until golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Pour 1 cup boiling water over dried fruit in a bowl; stir to submerge. Set aside until fruit has softened, about 30 minutes. Drain; reserve soaking liquid.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, ginger, and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Add onion mixture to bread cubes. Return skillet to medium heat. Add Marsala, and cook, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until liquid bubbles. Pour over bread mixture. Stir in dried fruit, 1/2 cup soaking liquid, walnuts if using, quinces, and cranberries. Stir in spices and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Stir in eggs.
  • To cook stuffing in turkey: Stuff as directed (see Roast Turkey with Quince Glaze recipe). Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degrees oven until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. To bake all of the stuffing in the oven: Spoon it into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake as directed above.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of dried fruits to add different flavors and textures to your stuffing. Some popular choices include cranberries, raisins, apricots, and cherries.
  • If you're using fresh cranberries, be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using. You can also freeze fresh cranberries for up to a year.
  • If you're using dried fruit that is hard or chewy, soak it in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using. This will help to soften the fruit and make it more flavorful.
  • Be careful not to overstuff the turkey. You should have about 3/4 cup of stuffing for each pound of turkey. If you overstuff the turkey, it will not cook evenly.
  • Bake the stuffing uncovered for the first 30 minutes, then cover it for the remaining cooking time. This will help to create a crispy crust on the stuffing.
  • Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Cranberry-dried fruit stuffing is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. With its sweet and tangy flavor, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a delicious and festive stuffing recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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