Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting, festive side that brings vibrant color and warming flavors to your holiday table, the Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of caramelized butternut squash with tart bursts of cranberries, all nestled in crispy toasted bread cubes and infused with aromatic herbs. The silky savory custard ties every element together, finished off with a luscious drizzle of honey-maple glaze that elevates this stuffing bake from simple to spectacular. It’s a beautiful celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any special gathering where cozy seasonal dishes shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of approachable, fresh ingredients that harmonize wonderfully, letting each component shine through vibrant flavor and texture. From the rustic toasted bread providing heartiness to the herbal freshness of sage and thyme, every ingredient plays a critical role in crafting the ultimate Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake.

• Rustic bread (sourdough or country loaf): Cubed and toasted to create a crunchy base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
• Olive oil or butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize the vegetables beautifully.
• Butternut squash: Diced and caramelized for natural sweetness and a tender bite.
• Onion: Finely chopped to add savory depth and sweetness when cooked.
• Celery stalks: Diced for a hint of freshness and subtle crunch.
• Fresh sage and thyme: Chopped herbs that infuse the dish with classic holiday aromas.
• Black pepper and salt: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the flavors.
• Dried cranberries: Lend bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the sweet squash.
• Pecans or walnuts (optional): Roughly chopped for nutty texture and richness.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Creates the savory custard base that moistens the stuffing perfectly.
• Eggs: Bind the stuffing and custard together for a creamy finish.
• Maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the custard and glaze.
• Garlic powder and paprika: Subtle spices that add warmth and depth.
• Honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard (optional): Combined into a glaze that adds a sweet-tangy finishing touch.

How to Make Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed rustic bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This step is crucial because drying out the bread ensures it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy, while also giving a lovely crunch to the finished dish. Keep an eye on the bread so it becomes lightly crisp and golden, not burnt.

Step 2: Caramelize the Squash & Veggies

While the bread toasts, warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced butternut squash, chopped onion, and celery stalks. Season everything generously with salt, black pepper, fresh sage, and thyme. Cooking this mixture for about 12 to 15 minutes allows the veggies to soften and the squash to caramelize, unveiling its natural sugars and creating a rich base for the stuffing.

Step 3: Combine the Mix

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the caramelized vegetables. Stir in the dried cranberries and, if using, the roughly chopped pecans or walnuts. This blend of sweet, tart, nutty, and savory elements is what makes the Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake truly special – every bite offers vibrant surprises.

Step 4: Make the Savory Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable or chicken broth, eggs, maple syrup, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. This custard mixture not only moistens the stuffing but also infuses it with subtle warmth and sweetness, binding all the ingredients together perfectly once baked.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Pour the custard over the bread and veggie mixture and gently stir to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer this to a greased baking dish and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time gives the bread needed moments to soak up the delicious custard, ensuring richness deep in every layer.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffing

Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and crisp. This two-stage baking locks in moisture while delivering irresistible texture contrasts in the final dish.

Step 7: Finish with a Glaze

While the bake is still warm, whisk together honey, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard if you like a tangy kick. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the top of the stuffing bake. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving; the glaze will soak in slightly, adding a shiny, sweet-tart finish that perfectly complements the autumnal flavors.

How to Serve Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sage leaves or chopped parsley on top just before serving adds a bright pop of green and enhances the herbal notes already present in the dish. For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle a few toasted pecan pieces on top—their crunch beautifully contrasts with the soft, custardy interior.

Side Dishes

The Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roasted vegetable medley. Its richness and hint of sweetness work beautifully alongside savory mains, while a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterbalance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, bake the stuffing individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Drizzle the glaze in a beautiful zigzag pattern or dollop some whipped herb butter on top to create an elegant presentation that is sure to impress guests and elevate your holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake, simply cool any leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the stuffing will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying during busy holiday weeks.

Freezing

This stuffing bake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Freezing ahead of time is a great strategy for easing holiday meal prep or stocking up on comforting dishes to enjoy anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and crisp on top again. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, though the oven method will give you the best texture, especially if you want to revive that glorious golden crust.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, fresh cranberries work wonderfully, especially if you lightly sweeten them before adding to the stuffing. They provide a vibrant tartness and juicy pop that contrasts nicely with the caramelized squash.

Is it possible to make this stuffing vegan?

Definitely! Simply substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer or silken tofu blended until smooth, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan. You might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure proper setting.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing bake a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as instructed.

What bread is best for this stuffing bake?

Rustic breads like sourdough or country loaves are ideal because of their sturdy texture and great flavor. They hold up well when toasted and soaked with custard, providing that satisfying chew and crunch.

Can I add other vegetables or nuts?

Feel free to experiment! Roasted chestnuts, sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped kale can complement the base flavors beautifully. For nuts, walnuts or pecans give a lovely crunch and richness if you want extra texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Squash & Cranberry Holiday Stuffing Bake that brings the soul of the season into every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to impress at your holiday feast. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished staple, delighting your family and friends year after year with its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and herby flavors.