Your New Go-To Holiday Comfort Food: Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Bake
Hey there, friend! Come on in, grab an apron, and let’s get something wonderfully fragrant bubbling away in the oven. Is there anything that says “welcome home” quite like the smell of herbs, roasting turkey, and sweet cranberries wafting through the house? I think not. This right here—this Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Bake—is the ultimate hug in a baking dish. It’s the star of our holiday table, the hero of our cozy Sunday suppers, and my absolute favorite dish to bring to a potluck because it never, ever fails to disappear.
If you’re dreaming of all the iconic flavors of a classic Thanksgiving feast but maybe don’t want to roast a whole bird and coordinate a dozen sides, this recipe is your dream come true. We’re talking juicy ground turkey, perfectly seasoned and browned, tossed with tender, herb-soaked bread cubes, pops of tart cranberry, and a golden, slightly crispy top that makes you go back for *just one more spoonful*. It’s hearty, satisfying, and built for sharing. Best of all? It’s incredibly straightforward. No fancy chef skills required—just a big bowl, a willing heart, and about an hour. So, preheat that oven; we’re about to make some magic.
The Stuffing That Stole My Heart (And a Few Thanksgiving Arguments)
This recipe has roots, let me tell you. It all started one slightly chaotic Thanksgiving at my Grandma Eleanor’s house. The turkey was perfect, the mashed potatoes were creamy, but the stuffing… oh, the stuffing was a point of serious, loving debate. My uncle was Team “Stuffing-In-The-Bird,” my dad was fiercely loyal to his family’s oyster stuffing, and my aunt had just gone vegan. It was a culinary standoff!
I decided to play peacemaker (and, okay, maybe show off a little). I created this bake as a compromise—a delicious, standalone dish that celebrated all the classic flavors but could be easily customized for everyone. It was a hit! The cranberries won over my tart-loving sister, the ground turkey made it feel like a main course, and baking it separately meant everyone got that coveted crispy top. It resolved the great stuffing debate of 2012 and has been a non-negotiable part of our holiday spread ever since. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a memory of bringing my crazy, wonderful family together over one irresistible dish.
Gathering Your Cast of Characters
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. I’ve included my favorite twists and substitutions because I believe every recipe should be a starting point for your own kitchen adventure!
- 2 lbs ground turkey: I prefer a 93/7 blend for a great balance of flavor without being too greasy. Feel free to use ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a fantastic vegetarian version!
- 8 cups dried bread cubes: This is our foundation! My chef’s twist is to use a mix of white and sourdough bread. The sourdough adds a wonderful tang and chewy texture that really elevates the whole dish. Stale bread is perfect here—it soaks up the broth like a dream.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: They provide little bursts of sweet and tart goodness. If you’re not a cranberry fan, chopped dried apricots or cherries are a fabulous swap.
- 1 cup finely chopped celery & 1 cup minced onion: The classic aromatic base, or “soffritto,” that builds a deep, savory flavor foundation. Don’t skip these!
- 1 cup chicken broth: The liquid that brings it all together and creates that moist, fluffy texture. Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor. My secret twist? Add ½ cup apple cider to the broth. It adds a subtle, sweet autumnal note that pairs magically with the turkey and cranberries.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter = flavor and richness. For a dairy-free option, a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter works beautifully.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Our binding agent! They help hold the stuffing together so you can slice beautiful, clean squares.
- 2 tsp dried sage, ½ tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper: The dream team of holiday herbs and spices. If you have fresh sage, absolutely use it! Triple the amount (so about 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage) for an incredible aromatic punch.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional twist): I highly recommend this for a wonderful crunch and nutty depth. Toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes first to really maximize their flavor.
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (optional): Because everything is better with a little melted cheese on top, right? Gruyère is my top pick for its nutty, sophisticated flavor.
Let’s Build This Flavorful Bake, Step-by-Step!
Ready to create some kitchen magic? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect stuffing bake in no time. I’ve sprinkled in all my best tips and hacks along the way!
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is our target temperature for golden-brown perfection. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8×8 dishes if you want to freeze one!) and give it a light coating of butter, oil, or non-stick spray. Chef’s Hack: If you’re using cheese on top, a light spray will prevent any stubborn sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground turkey. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess liquid, you can drain it, but a little bit is okay—it adds flavor! Chef’s Tip: Season the turkey with a pinch of salt and pepper right in the pan. We’re building layers of flavor from the very beginning.
Step 3: In a very large mixing bowl—I’m talking the biggest one you own—combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped celery, minced onion, and the cooked turkey. If you’re using those glorious toasted nuts, add them in now! Toss everything together gently with your hands. This is the fun part—seeing all those beautiful colors and textures come together!
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients and seasonings. That’s the chicken broth, apple cider (if using), melted butter, beaten eggs, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until it’s completely uniform. Chef’s Hack: Taste your broth mixture before you pour it! It should taste well-seasoned and delicious on its own. This is your last chance to adjust the salt or herbs.
Step 5: Now, pour the liquid mixture evenly over the bread and turkey mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or, again, those clean hands, toss and gently fold everything together. You want every single bread cube to get kissed by that flavorful liquid. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the bread to fully absorb the broth.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the moistened stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently into an even layer. If you’re adding cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle it generously over the top for that glorious, melty, golden crust.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial! It traps the steam and cooks the stuffing through without drying out the top. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
Step 8: After 25 minutes, remove the foil (hello, beautiful bake!). Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. You’re waiting for that top to turn a gorgeous golden brown and for the edges to get a little crispy.
Step 9: This might be the hardest step: let it rest! Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it sit on the stovetop for at least 5 minutes. This allows the eggs to fully set, making it easier to cut into neat squares. It also lets the flavors settle and mingle one last time. Then, dig in!
How to Serve This Show-Stopping Dish
Presentation is part of the joy! I love serving this bake right from the dish at the table—it’s rustic and inviting. Use a large spoon or a square-serving spatula to plate it. For a truly festive touch, garnish with a few extra fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh sage leaves. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also plays wonderfully with others! A simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, and a dollop of garlicky mashed cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes makes it a true feast.
Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists & Swaps
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Breakfast Stuffing Bake: Swap the ground turkey for cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage. Add a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mix, and serve it for a holiday brunch with a side of scrambled eggs.
- Apple & sausage: Replace the turkey with mild Italian sausage and swap the cranberries for 1 cup of finely chopped, peeled apples. The sweet and savory combo is incredible.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Easily done! Use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) instead of regular eggs. Swap the turkey for lentils and use vegetable broth and vegan butter.
- Super Seedy & Nutty: Add ¼ cup each of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for an extra layer of texture, protein, and crunch.
Chef’s Notes: From My Messy Apron to Yours
This recipe has evolved so much over the years. The first time I made it, I was so worried about it being dry that I overcompensated with broth and ended up with a delicious, but slightly soupy, stuffing situation! The key is in the bread—truly dry, stale bread makes all the difference. If your bread is too fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in that 375°F oven for 10 minutes first to dry them out.
I also learned that the “let it rest” rule is not a suggestion. I’ve burned my tongue more than once in my eagerness to taste it, and it truly does hold together so much better after a short rest. This dish also freezes like a dream. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen, adding about 15-20 extra minutes to the covered baking time. It’s a lifesaver during the busy holiday season!
Your Stuffing Bake Questions, Answered!
Q: My stuffing turned out a bit dry. What happened?
A: The most common culprit is the bread! If your bread cubes weren’t sufficiently dry or stale, they might not have absorbed all the liquid properly. Next time, make sure your bread is very dry. Also, all ovens vary, so if yours runs hot, you may have baked it a minute too long. The foil-off time is key—just look for that golden brown color, not dark brown. You can always add a touch more broth to the mixture before baking if it seems too dry during mixing.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A> Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You have two options: 1) Assemble the entire bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold. Or 2) Bake it completely, let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Q: The bottom seems soggy. How can I prevent that?
A> A soggy bottom usually means there was a bit too much liquid for the bread to absorb. Ensure your bread is very dry. Also, make sure your skillet-cooked turkey has had a chance to cool slightly and isn’t bringing a lot of extra hot liquid into the mix. Finally, the right size pan is important—a 9×13-inch dish is perfect. If your dish is too small, the stuffing will be too deep and steam instead of bake, leading to sogginess.
Q: Is it necessary to use eggs?
A> The eggs act as a binder to help the stuffing hold its shape when sliced. If you need to omit them, the flavor will still be great, but the texture will be more loose and crumbly (still delicious!). For an egg-free binder, you can try a “flax egg” as mentioned in the variations.
Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
Nothing says holiday comfort like this bubbling, golden bake. It’s everything you love about Thanksgiving—juicy turkey, herb-soaked bread, and tart-sweet cranberries—all baked into one cozy dish. With its crispy top and tender, flavorful middle, this recipe is the definition of a “hug in a casserole dish.” Whether it’s the star of your holiday table or a make-ahead lifesaver for busy nights, this bake brings warmth, nostalgia, and second helpings every time.
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground turkey (93/7 blend works best)
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8 cups dried bread cubes (mix of white & sourdough)
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1 cup dried cranberries (or dried apricots/cherries)
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1 cup celery, finely chopped
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1 cup onion, minced
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1 cup chicken broth + ½ cup apple cider (optional, for depth)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tsp dried sage
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½ tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
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½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella (optional topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
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Cook turkey in skillet 8–10 minutes until browned. Season lightly.
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Combine bread cubes, cranberries, celery, onion, turkey, and nuts (if using) in a large bowl.
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Whisk broth, cider, butter, eggs, and seasonings. Taste and adjust.
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Pour liquid mix over bread mixture; toss until evenly moistened. Rest 2 minutes.
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Transfer to dish. Press gently into an even layer. Top with cheese if desired.
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Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes.
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Uncover & bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp.
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Rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
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Use sausage + apples for a sweet-savory variation.
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Make it vegetarian with lentils, veggie broth, and flax “eggs.”
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Assemble ahead and refrigerate—bake right before serving.
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Dry your bread cubes well for the perfect fluffy (not soggy!) texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information*
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 14
*This is an estimate for 1 serving, calculated without optional nuts and cheese.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
I truly hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!
With love and a full oven,
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Meal
So there you have it—my heartwarming, family-tested, argument-solving Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Bake. It’s more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s an invitation to create your own cozy moments and new traditions.
Whether you’re navigating dietary needs, craving the taste of Thanksgiving without the fuss, or simply needing a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish to share, this bake is your answer. It’s forgiving, flexible, and full of the kind of comfort that turns a simple supper into a special occasion.
