Whole Wheat Stuffing with Apples, Pecans and Cranberries

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – hands down. I love all of the yummy, warm food, crazy family members, and the inevitable late afternoon nap after I’ve gorged myself silly on my third helping of pumpkin pie. And I think it’s funny how everybody has their special dish. My mom would never serve turkey without a side of homemade cranberry-orange relish, while my sister absolutely insists on making creamed corn (even if nobody else in the family really wouldn’t miss it – sorry sissy, it’s true!) For me, it’s all about the stuffing.

We’ve tried different variations over the past couple of years – adding chestnuts, pork sausage, mushrooms, and fruit – but they key seems to be the bread. Using high-quality or even homemade bread makes a world of difference in stuffing. Put the Wonder Bread back in the bread box (or trash!), and pick up some delicious foccacia, Italian peasant blend or whole-wheat loaf like I used.

10 cups of bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (I picked up two whole wheat loafs at a local bakery)
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup celery (about 2 stalks), finely chopped
1 cup onion (about 1 medium onion), finely chopped
1 cup tart apple (about 1 medium apple), finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sage, minced
2 teaspoons thyme, minced
1 cup pecans, chopped and roasted
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup milk (I used low-fat)

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place cubed bread onto baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bread is dried out and slightly golden. Add to large bowl and allow to cool. Turn up oven to 350 degrees.

Heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add celery, onions, and apples and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in herbs and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour vegetable mixture over bread in large bowl. Add pecans, cranberries, broth and milk and stir to combine.

Grease a large gratin or casserole dish and add bread mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until bread is golden brown. The aromas that start drifting out of your kitchen will have guests clamoring to get a taste!!

Tagged as: apples, cranberries, pecans, sides, stuffing, Thanksgiving, whole wheat bread