Hot Cranberry Casserole
A warm, sweet-tart cranberry casserole with a crunchy oat topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The combination of fresh cranberries, apples, brown sugar, and nuts creates a delightful flavor contrast, making it a crowd-pleasing side or dessert option for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the apples, cranberries, and sugar, then put into a greased casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted margarine, oats, brown sugar, and nuts.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the fruit mixture. You can substitute the margarine with butter or a vegan alternative for a different taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, increase the quantity of oats or nuts. Adding a pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness. This recipe is also adaptable for other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Cranberry Casserole is perfect as a holiday side dish or a comforting dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Southern Coleslaw(From Frances Wright) or can be enjoyed alongside a savory main dish like Hot Beef Sandwiches(Makes 100 Sandwiches).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Cranberry Casserole contains roughly 583 calories, with 7g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; however, do not thaw them before adding to the casserole to maintain their texture. Keep in mind that frozen cranberries may release more moisture, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
You can use any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Chopped walnuts add a nice earthy flavor, while pecans provide a sweeter crunch. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the topping can enhance their flavor and make your casserole even more delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit mixture and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for a day. When you're ready to bake, simply layer them in the casserole dish and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for holiday meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).