Cranberry Casserole

Cranberry Casserole Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Cranberry Casserole is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for the holiday season. This sweet and tart dessert is made with a combination of fresh cranberries, apples, and a crunchy oat and pecan topping. It is a great addition to any holiday meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

The exact origins of Cranberry Casserole are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. Cranberries have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, and this casserole is a popular way to enjoy them during the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples makes for a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

For the fruit base

3 cups of peeled and chopped Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
2 cups of raw cranberries
1.5 tsp of lemon juice
1.5 cups of white sugar

Topping

1.33 cups of quick oats
1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
1.33 cups of brown sugar
1 stick of melted butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole, combine the cranberries and chopped apples.
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and white sugar.
Sprinkle this mixture over the fruit until it is just moistened.
In another bowl, combine all the ingredients for the topping and sprinkle it over the top of the fruit.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Serve the dish hot or cold, and you may choose to top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the fruit base for a citrusy twist.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Experiment with different types of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, for a unique flavor combination.

Notes

When using honeycrisp apples, which are much sweeter than granny smith, reduce granulated sugar to taste.
Any tart baking apple may be used
Topping may be made by cutting softened butter into oats instead of melting it.
For a slightly thicker consistency, more like pie-filling, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with the lemon juice and sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel and chop the apples before adding them to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

- Make sure to mix the white sugar and lemon juice well before sprinkling it over the fruit to ensure that it is evenly distributed.

- The topping should be crumbly and not too wet. If it seems too moist, add more oats or pecans to achieve the desired consistency.

- Serve the casserole hot or cold, depending on your preference. It is delicious either way and can be topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Casserole can be served hot or cold and is delicious on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the casserole to ensure even cooking.

- Mix the white sugar and lemon juice well before sprinkling it over the fruit to ensure that it is evenly distributed.

- Check the casserole halfway through baking to make sure the topping is not burning. If it is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice.

- If you don't have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, you can use any other tart apple variety.

- If you don't have quick oats, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture may be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Casserole in a festive casserole dish or individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Casserole pairs well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cranberry Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Casserole contains approximately 300 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy provided by food and are essential for fueling the body and supporting daily activities.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Casserole contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of fat. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy, helps the body absorb vitamins, and supports overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Casserole contains approximately 3 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are essential for overall health and well-being and can help support the immune system and promote healthy skin, eyes, and bones.

Alergens

Cranberry Casserole contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter). It may also contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Individuals with nut, dairy, or gluten allergies should exercise caution when consuming this dish.

Summary

Cranberry Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of energy and essential nutrients and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cranberry Casserole is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, apples, and a crunchy oat and pecan topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether served hot or cold, this sweet and tart casserole is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cranberry Casserole. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and I was tasked with helping her prepare the meal.

As we were going through the pantry, trying to decide what to make for dessert, my mother pulled out a faded old cookbook that had been passed down through generations of our family. She flipped through the pages until she came across a recipe for Cranberry Casserole. I had never heard of such a thing before, but my mother assured me that it was a delicious dish that had been a family favorite for years.

The recipe called for fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and a few other simple ingredients. My mother explained that the tartness of the cranberries would be balanced out by the sweetness of the sugar and orange juice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that would be perfect for dessert.

I watched in awe as my mother effortlessly prepared the dish, mixing the ingredients together in a large bowl and pouring them into a baking dish. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of the cranberries as they baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the Cranberry Casserole was finally ready, my mother served it up with a dollop of whipped cream on top. I took a bite, and my taste buds were immediately overwhelmed with the delicious combination of tart cranberries, sweet sugar, and tangy orange juice. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen someday.

Over the years, I have made Cranberry Casserole countless times, always using the recipe that my mother passed down to me. I have shared it with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dish at holiday gatherings and special occasions.

But my journey with this recipe didn't end there. As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I discovered that there were many different versions of Cranberry Casserole out there, each with its own unique twist.

I remember the time I visited a friend in the city and she served me a Cranberry Casserole that had a crunchy topping made with almonds and oats. It added a wonderful texture to the dish, and I knew that I had to ask her for the recipe.

Then there was the time I attended a potluck dinner and someone had made a savory version of Cranberry Casserole with onions and herbs. It was a surprising twist on a classic dish, and I couldn't resist asking for the recipe so that I could recreate it at home.

I have collected these different versions of Cranberry Casserole over the years, each one adding its own unique flavor and flair to the dish. But no matter how many variations I try, I always come back to the original recipe that my mother taught me all those years ago.

There is something special about the tradition of passing down recipes through generations, each one adding their own touch and creating a dish that is truly timeless. And as I continue to make Cranberry Casserole for my own family and friends, I am reminded of the love and memories that are woven into every bite.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to give Cranberry Casserole a chance. It may just become a beloved dish in your own family, passed down through the years and cherished for generations to come.