Cranberry Dressing Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Favorite

When the leaves start to turn and the holidays are right around the corner, one of my favorite dishes to bring to the table is this cranberry dressing. It is a simple recipe but the combination of sweet dried fruit and warm savory spices makes it feel extra special.

I first started making this recipe years ago and it quickly became a family favorite. Whether I am cooking for Thanksgiving or a winter Sunday dinner, this dish always gets compliments and second servings.


🥣 Cranberry Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 package pre-seasoned stuffing mix

  • 1 stick of butter

  • 1 cup diced celery

  • 1 cup diced onion

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 cup dried cranberries (you can use more or less to taste). Optional substitutions: dried cherries or raisins

  • Sprinkle of rubbed sage, thyme, rosemary, and paprika (season to taste)

  • 3 cups broth (I usually use chicken broth but vegetable broth works too)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Dressing (Step-by-Step)

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat

  2. Add diced onions and celery and cook until softened

  3. Add broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil

  4. In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix, cranberries, brown sugar, and spices

  5. Pour the hot broth mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well with a large spoon

  6. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish

  7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes

This dish is ready when the top is lightly crisp and the center is warm and soft. It is perfect served alongside turkey or roasted vegetables.


🌿 Fun Facts About This Dish

  • Cranberries are one of only a few fruits native to North America. Native American tribes used them in cooking and for medicinal purposes

  • Brown sugar adds moisture and a gentle sweetness that balances the tartness of dried fruit

  • Stuffing or dressing? Technically it is called dressing when cooked outside the bird but no matter the name it is still delicious

  • You can switch up the dried fruit to suit your taste. Dried cherries give it a little tang and raisins make it extra sweet

💌 Love this recipe?

Download this free printable recipe card.

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out the other dishes I’ve shared.

📝 Simple Wrap-Up

This cranberry dressing is one of those recipes that makes the house smell amazing while it bakes and tastes even better the next day. I love how easy it is to make but how rich and flavorful it turns out every time. If you are looking to add a new side dish to your holiday lineup or just want to try something comforting and delicious, I hope you give this one a try.

What is one of your favorite holiday dishes? Share in the comments below.

Sensibly and simply yours,
Kat

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Location: Michigan, USA

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