Introduction

Cornbread stuffing with apples and cranberries is a delightful twist on a classic holiday side dish. Traditional stuffing is hearty and savory, but adding cornbread as the base introduces a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the savory aromatics. The apples add a touch of freshness and sweetness, while the cranberries bring tartness and color, making the dish vibrant both in taste and appearance.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it bridges the gap between tradition and creativity. Cornbread has a natural warmth and heartiness, and when it soaks up the broth and mingles with onions, celery, herbs, apples, and cranberries, it creates a symphony of flavors. Each bite has layers: savory from the aromatics, sweet-tart from the fruit, and that rustic, cozy base of cornbread. It feels festive, comforting, and a little indulgent.

This is a Must Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s not just stuffing—it’s a centerpiece side dish that elevates any holiday table. It pairs equally well with roast turkey, chicken, pork, or ham, but it’s also hearty enough to stand on its own. If you want to impress guests at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner, this stuffing is a guaranteed showstopper. It’s also flexible—you can make it vegetarian, add sausage for richness, or adjust the herbs to your preference.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired, Holiday)

Ingredients

For the Cornbread (if making fresh)

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup sugar (optional, depending on preference)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

(You can also use 6–7 cups of store-bought cornbread cubes.)

For the Stuffing

• 6–7 cups cubed cornbread (homemade or store-bought, day-old preferred)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2–2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (enough to moisten)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread (if making fresh)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour into a greased baking pan, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
5. Let cool, then cut into cubes. Leave cubes uncovered overnight to dry slightly (or bake at 250°F/120°C for 20 minutes to dry them).

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (5–6 minutes).
3. Stir in apples, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Stuffing

1. In a large bowl, combine cornbread cubes, sautéed vegetables, apples, and cranberries.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in broth gradually, tossing until the cornbread is moistened but not soggy.
4. Stir in beaten eggs to bind.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

1. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden on top.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method (Simplified)

1. Prepare or cube cornbread.
2. Sauté onions, celery, apples, and herbs.
3. Toss with cornbread cubes, cranberries, broth, and eggs.
4. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a side dish for roast turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Garnish with extra fresh herbs for color and freshness.
• Pairs wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old cornbread to prevent mushy stuffing.
• Add broth slowly—stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
• For extra flavor, toast cornbread cubes before mixing.
• Prepare stuffing a day in advance and bake just before serving.

Variations

• With Sausage: Add cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or Italian sausage for a savory version.
• Nutty Addition: Toss in ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Cheesy Twist: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese before baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cornbread.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip sausage.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven.
• Freezing (Baked Stuffing): Freeze in portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
• Freezing (Unbaked Stuffing): Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Skillet for sautéing
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Foil for covering

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing the day before, refrigerate it, and bake before serving.

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but reduce the quantity slightly (½ cup) and add a little extra sugar to balance the tartness.

Q3: My stuffing turned out soggy—what happened?
You may have added too much broth. Add gradually and test consistency before baking.

Q4: Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, but the eggs help bind the stuffing. Substitute with 2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 5 tbsp water if needed.

Q5: What type of apples work best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well.

Conclusion

Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tart—an elevated version of classic stuffing that adds warmth and vibrancy to your holiday table. With its golden crust, moist interior, and bursts of fruity flavor, it’s a dish that’s both festive and comforting. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is guaranteed to impress and become a new tradition in your home.