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Festive Popcorn Cranberry Stuffing Recipe Perfect for Holidays

popcorn cranberry stuffing - featured image

A unique and flavorful stuffing recipe featuring popcorn, dried cranberries, and savory herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups plain, air-popped popcorn
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (sourdough or gluten-free as needed)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pop about 4 cups of plain popcorn using your preferred method. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cube the day-old bread and spread it on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until slightly crisp.
  3. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the parsley, sage, and thyme. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes, popcorn, dried cranberries, and sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Gradually pour the broth over the mixture, tossing as you go. Add just enough to moisten everything—you don’t want it soggy.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving warm. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Add broth gradually to avoid a soggy stuffing.’, ‘Use fresh herbs for better flavor.’, ‘Prep the stuffing up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight for convenience.’, ‘Toast the bread to prevent mushiness.’, ‘Keep the popcorn plain—avoid butter or salt.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday stuffing, popcorn stuffing, cranberry stuffing, festive stuffing, Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas stuffing