Delicious Holiday Stuffing with Cranberries: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Introduction to Holiday Stuffing

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to traditional meals that bring families together. One dish that often graces the holiday table is stuffing. This recipe for holiday stuffing with cranberries is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, adding a burst of tartness and color that will impress your guests.

A festive twist on classic stuffing — golden bread cubes mixed with savory sausage, tart cranberries, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection for the ultimate holiday side dish.

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 8–10

🧂 Ingredients

For the Stuffing

• 1 loaf (about 14 oz / 400g) French or Italian bread, cubed and dried overnight (or toasted)

• 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (pork or turkey)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup (120g) dried cranberries

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter

• 2½ cups (600ml) chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

🔪 Directions

1. Prepare the Bread
   If not already dry, spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.

2. Cook the Sausage
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan.

3. Sauté Vegetables
   Add butter, onion, celery, and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and cranberries.
   Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Add Liquid Mixture
   In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and eggs. Slowly pour over the stuffing mixture, stirring gently until evenly moistened (not soggy).

6. Bake the Stuffing
   Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
   Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.

💡 Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, mix in chopped apples or pecans.

• To make ahead: assemble everything a day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day.

• Use day-old bread — fresh bread makes stuffing too soft.