Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries
Bring warm, cozy flavors to your table with this delicious Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries a perfect blend of sweet and savory in every bite! Crumbly cornbread is tossed with tender apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich, comforting side dish that’s ideal for holidays or family dinners.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread (if making fresh): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour into a greased baking pan, and bake for 20–25 minutes. 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: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (5–6 minutes). Stir in apples, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Mix the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine cornbread cubes, sautéed vegetables, apples, and cranberries. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in broth gradually, tossing until the cornbread is moistened but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs to bind.
- Step 4: Bake the Stuffing: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden on top.