Apple-Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Name: Apple-Cranberry Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan; 1 pound sliced country white sandwich bread; 1 large cooking apple, such as Gravenstein, or Golden Delicious; 1 medium onion; 2 ribs celery with leaves; 1/2 cup dried apricots; Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Pinch fennel seeds, optional; 3 cups chicken broth (about 1 1/2 small cans); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons turkey or chicken pan drippings or melted butter

Servings: persons

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 pound sliced country white sandwich bread
1 large cooking apple, such as Gravenstein, or Golden Delicious
1 medium onion
2 ribs celery with leaves
1/2 cup dried apricots
Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch fennel seeds, optional
3 cups chicken broth (about 1 1/2 small cans)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons turkey or chicken pan drippings or melted butter

1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a shallow 3-quart casserole.
2
Cut or tear bread into bite-size pieces.
3
Lay bread pieces in a single layer on 1 or 2 baking sheets.
4
Bake until slightly dry and crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes.
5
Cool.
6
Peel, core, and coarsely chop the apple.
7
Coarsely chop the onion, celery, and apricots.
8
Chop the parsley.
9
Melt the 6 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
10
Add the apple, onion, celery, apricots, cranberries, thyme, salt, and fennel seeds; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
11
Add the broth and parsley and bring to a boil.
12
Remove from the heat.
13
Beat the egg in a large bowl.
14
Add the toasted bread and the onion and fruit mixture; toss until evenly moistened.
15
Loosely pack the dressing into the prepared pan.
16
Bake, uncovered, until the top is crusty, about 40 minutes.
17
Drizzle the pan drippings or melted butter over the top.
18
Cook until the top is crisp and golden, about 20 minutes more.
19
Tips: Put the dressing in the oven during the last hour of cooking the turkey
20
Cook pork sausage until brown and crispy in the skillet.
21
Remove to a plate and cook vegetables and fruit in the residual fat.
22
Stir sausage into stuffing just before baking.

575

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, 1 pound sliced country white sandwich bread, 1 large cooking apple, such as Gravenstein, or Golden Delicious, 1 medium onion, and more.

Yes, Apple-Cranberry Dressing falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Apple-Cranberry Dressing

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions