Delicious Cranberry Casserole Recipe for Holiday Feasts

Welcome to my Cranberry Casserole recipe, a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of apples, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your holiday turkey or a comforting dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening, this cranberry casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

But before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you a little bit about why I love this dish so much. For me, cranberries are a quintessential part of the holiday season. Their bright red color and tangy flavor add a festive touch to any meal, and they’re packed with health benefits too. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any diet.

When paired with sweet apples, the tartness of the cranberries is balanced out, creating a comforting and satisfying flavor profile. The addition of pecans and oats in the topping adds a satisfying crunch and nuttiness that perfectly complements the soft and tender fruit filling. Overall, this cranberry casserole is a dish that brings together all the best flavors of the season in one delicious and easy-to-make dish.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, I hope you’ll give this cranberry casserole recipe a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your household and a dish that you’ll come back to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a way to spice up your holiday meal? Look no further than this delicious Cranberry Casserole recipe. This recipe is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with fresh cranberries and juicy apples combining to create a mouthwatering flavor explosion.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this casserole on the table in no time. And because it’s a casserole, it’s the perfect option for feeding a crowd.

But what really sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It’s the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but it’s also a great option for breakfast or brunch. And if you’re looking for a way to use up any leftover cranberries or apples, this recipe is the perfect solution.

So whether you’re looking for a new side dish to add to your holiday spread or simply want to try something new and delicious, this Cranberry Casserole recipe has got you covered. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Cranberry Apple Casserole Recipe:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted

Note: If you want to add a little bit of spice to this casserole, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the topping mixture.

The Recipe How-To

Let’s get cooking! This is the fun part where we put all the ingredients together to create the delicious Cranberry Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Mix the Apples and Cranberries

Next up, in a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of peeled and chopped apples and 2 cups of fresh cranberries.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Toss the dry ingredients mixture together with the apple and cranberry mixture until well coated.

Step 5: Add the Margarine

Add 1/2 cup of melted margarine to the mixture and mix well.

Step 6: Place in Casserole Dish

Place the mixture in a 2-quart casserole dish and press down firmly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is soft.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Cranberry Casserole warm as a side dish with turkey or chicken, or as a breakfast casserole alongside a sweet potato casserole or a cranberry French toast casserole.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Casserole and impress your guests with this perfect holiday dish!

Substitutions and Variations

While this cranberry casserole recipe is delicious as is, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to mix things up:

– Sweet Potato Casserole: Swap out the apples for sweet potatoes, and add some cinnamon, nutmeg, and marshmallows on top for a sweet potato casserole twist.

– Cranberry Chicken: Use the cranberry sauce to marinate chicken breasts or thighs for a sweet and tangy cranberry chicken dish.

– Breakfast Casserole: Turn this cranberry apple casserole into a breakfast dish by layering the fruit mixture between pieces of French toast and baking it in a casserole dish.

– Cranberry Crisp: Top the cranberry apple mixture with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and margarine to make a cranberry crisp.

– Cranberry Orange: Replace the apples with oranges and add some orange zest to make a tangy cranberry orange casserole.

– Nutty Twist: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the oats, brown sugar, and flour mixture for a nutty twist.

No matter which variation you choose, the cranberry casserole recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Serving and Pairing

This Cranberry Casserole Recipe is a perfect side dish for any holiday feast. It pairs well with roasted turkey, chicken, and even ham. The sweet and tangy flavors of the cranberry and apple casserole complement the savory meat dishes, making it a great addition to your holiday table.

Aside from being a great side dish, this cranberry apple casserole recipe can also be served as a dessert. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you have a delicious and unique dessert that your guests will surely love.

If you want to take it up a notch, you can also serve this cranberry apple casserole with a side of sweet potato casserole. The combination of the sweet potato and cranberry flavors is a match made in heaven.

For breakfast, you can turn this recipe into a breakfast casserole by adding a layer of French toast on top of the cranberry apple mixture. Simply layer the French toast on top of the casserole before baking and you have a Cranberry French Toast Casserole that is perfect for a cozy holiday morning.

In terms of drinks, this cranberry apple casserole pairs well with a glass of red wine or a hot cup of tea. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the apples are balanced by the tannins in the red wine or the soothing warmth of the tea, making it a great choice for a chilly holiday evening.

Overall, this cranberry apple casserole recipe is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a dessert, or even a breakfast casserole. It pairs well with a variety of meats and drinks, making it a great addition to any holiday gathering.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about cranberry casserole is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights. To make ahead, prepare the casserole as directed and cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few options. The casserole can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. If reheating from the refrigerator, it may take a bit longer to heat through.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply follow the same instructions as above.

One tip for reheating is to add a bit of extra liquid, such as a splash of milk or cream, to prevent the casserole from drying out. Additionally, if the topping becomes too soft during storage, simply sprinkle with a bit of additional oats and pecans before reheating to restore its crunch.

Overall, the make-ahead and storing options make this cranberry casserole recipe a convenient and practical addition to any meal plan.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure that your cranberry apple casserole turns out perfect every time, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

First and foremost, make sure you use fresh ingredients. This recipe relies heavily on fresh apples and cranberries, so it’s important to use produce that is ripe and in season. When selecting your apples, look for firm and juicy fruits with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. For the cranberries, choose plump and bright red berries that are free from blemishes.

Another important tip is to properly coat the cranberries in the flour mixture before adding them to the casserole dish. Tossing the cranberries in flour helps to thicken the juices and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the dish. Make sure to toss them well to coat them evenly.

When preparing the topping, don’t overmix the oats, margarine, flour, and brown sugar mixture. You want the topping to be crumbly and not too dense. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough texture.

It’s also important to note that the casserole dish used should be appropriately sized. A 2-quart casserole dish works best for this recipe. If you use a dish that is too small, the cranberry apple mixture may overflow, and if the dish is too big, the topping may not brown evenly.

Lastly, let the cranberry apple casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will give the juices time to set and the topping to crisp up. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious and comforting dessert.

Bottom Line

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In conclusion, this cranberry casserole recipe is the perfect addition to any holiday meal or gathering. Its combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with a crunchy topping, make it a crowd-pleaser.

With the option to make substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to fit your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, with the make-ahead and storing tips, you can save time and have leftovers for later.

So, whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your turkey or a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cranberry casserole recipe won’t disappoint. Give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious and easy dish.

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