Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. You may already have most of these in your kitchen, and if not, they’re easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s the list of what you’ll need:
- Turkey: You can use leftover turkey (which is a great way to repurpose that post-Thanksgiving feast!) or freshly cooked turkey. Both work beautifully in this dish.
- Stuffing mix: We recommend a traditional bread stuffing mix, but you can use cornbread or a savory herb stuffing for a bit of variation.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work best here. They provide that tart, juicy burst of flavor that pairs so well with the turkey and stuffing.
- Chicken broth: This helps to keep the casserole moist and flavorful. If you have turkey broth, even better!
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the casserole that perfect texture.
- Butter: For sautéing and adding richness to the stuffing.
- Onion, celery, garlic: These are the classic aromatics that form the base of the stuffing. They provide a deep, savory flavor to the casserole.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and sage are essential for a flavorful stuffing mix.
- Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella can be added for a cheesy, golden crust on top.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- Extra cranberries or pecans for crunch
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole
Now that you’ve gathered everything, let’s dive into the steps. The process is straightforward and manageable, even for beginner cooks. Here’s how to assemble your casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish, making cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the veggies are soft and the kitchen smells amazing. The onions should be translucent, and the garlic should be fragrant.
This step is where a lot of the flavor begins to develop, so don’t rush it. Those soft, caramelized bits of onion and garlic will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Stuffing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your stuffing mix with the sautéed onions, celery, and garlic. Add your cooked turkey (shredded or diced), cranberries, and any additional seasonings like sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
Pour in the chicken broth, adding just enough to moisten the mixture—don’t make it soggy! Stir in the eggs, which will help bind everything together as it bakes. If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to add a handful of shredded cheese to the mix.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. If you want a crispy top (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle a little more cheese on top, or drizzle a bit of melted butter over the top for extra richness.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but let it cook until everything has melded together into a warm, flavorful dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with some fresh herbs or a few extra cranberries for a pop of color.
Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of turkey, cranberries, and savory stuffing. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a new family favorite.
Conclusion
Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole is everything you love about Thanksgiving stuffing, with the added benefit of being easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender turkey, sweet cranberries, and savory stuffing in a way that will make your taste buds dance.
It’s perfect for the holiday season, but honestly, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, as a way to use up leftover turkey, or simply because you’re craving comfort food, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients together and try this recipe today!
