Name: 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained; 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 4-5 medium tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

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Are you searching for a holiday side dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? This 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole transforms just four simple ingredients into a stunning dish that perfectly balances tart cranberries with sweet, tender apples. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no complicated techniques or lengthy ingredient lists required. You’ll discover how butter, sugar, fresh cranberries, and crisp apples create a bubbling, golden casserole that captures the essence of the holiday season in every spoonful. This versatile dish works beautifully as a side for turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, making it your new go-to recipe for stress-free entertaining.

Why This 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole Matters

Holiday cooking often feels overwhelming, but this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complexity. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a perfect balance that complements rich holiday proteins while adding vibrant color to your table. Unlike traditional cranberry sauce that can be overly sweet, this casserole maintains the natural tartness of fresh cranberries while allowing the apples to provide gentle sweetness.

External Resources

Before diving into this recipe, you might want to explore our apple crisp cheesecake for another apple-forward dessert option. For more holiday inspiration, check out our cranberry honey butter recipe. Professional baking techniques can elevate your results—visit King Arthur Baking’s tips and techniques for expert guidance. Additionally, learn about the health benefits of cranberries to understand why this fruit deserves a place on your holiday table.

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries, chopped apples, granulated sugar, and melted butter arranged for 4-ingredient cranberry apple holiday casserole preparation

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Holiday Casserole
3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained (frozen cranberries work too—no need to thaw) 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 4-5 medium tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) 1½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste preference—use 1¼ cups for more tartness) ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (salted butter works if reducing added salt elsewhere)

Ingredient Spotlight

Fresh cranberries provide the signature tartness and beautiful ruby color that makes this casserole so visually striking. They burst during baking, releasing their juices to create natural syrup. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape during baking while contributing natural sweetness and pectin for thickening. Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also draws out fruit juices, creating the casserole’s luscious sauce. Melted butter adds richness and helps create the golden, slightly caramelized top that makes this dish irresistible.

Timing

Complete Timing Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes (20% faster than similar layered fruit casseroles) Cook Time: 40-50 minutes Rest Time: 10-15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 8 generous portions

Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pro tip: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and serving. Layer the Cranberries Spread the fresh cranberries evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re in a single, even layer for consistent cooking. The cranberries will pop and release their juices, so don’t worry if they seem tart now. Add the Apples Scatter the chopped apples evenly over the cranberries. Try to distribute them uniformly so every bite has the perfect fruit balance. Cut apples into similar-sized pieces (about ½-inch) for even cooking. Sweeten the Fruit Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the fruit mixture. Important: Do not stir! The layering technique allows the sugar to slowly dissolve and penetrate the fruit during baking. This creates distinct flavor layers that meld beautifully. Add the Butter Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the sugared fruit, ensuring even coverage. The butter will pool slightly, but that’s perfect—it creates rich pockets of flavor throughout the casserole. Pour in a zigzag pattern for the most even distribution. Bake to Perfection Bake for 40-50 minutes until the cranberries have burst, apples are fork-tender, and the juices are bubbling vigorously around the edges. The top should be lightly golden. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. Rest Before Serving Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the juices thicken and the flavors settle. The casserole will be very hot and liquidy straight from the oven—patience pays off!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole

Professional Success Secrets
Choose the right apple variety: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples hold their shape best and provide the perfect sweet-tart balance. Don’t skip the resting period: Those 10-15 minutes allow the natural pectin to thicken the juices into a beautiful syrup. Adjust sweetness gradually: Start with 1¼ cups sugar if you prefer more tartness, then taste and add more if needed next time. Use room temperature butter: Slightly cooled melted butter (not hot) distributes more evenly and won’t cook the fruit prematurely. Test doneness properly: The casserole is ready when a fork easily pierces the apple pieces and the cranberries have all burst open.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Spiced Holiday Version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg with the sugar for warm holiday spices.

Citrus Twist: Include the zest of one orange and 2 tablespoons orange juice for bright, fresh flavor.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before baking.

Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to 1 cup and add 2 tablespoons maple syrup for natural sweetness with complex flavor.

Behind the Recipe

This 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole was born from the desire to create a stunning holiday side dish without the stress. Traditional cranberry sauce often disappoints with its one-dimensional sweetness, while elaborate fruit gratins require too much time during busy holiday prep. This recipe bridges that gap perfectly—it looks elegant enough for company but requires minimal hands-on time. The technique of layering without stirring allows each ingredient to maintain its distinct character while creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Pairing Ideas

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken. The tartness cuts through rich, fatty meats while the sweetness complements savory herbs. Serve alongside traditional stuffing and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday spread. For beverages, consider sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice cocktails, or hot spiced tea. The casserole also makes an unexpected but delightful topping for vanilla ice cream or pound cake for dessert.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Transform leftover casserole into breakfast magic by spooning it over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. It makes an excellent filling for hand pies or turnovers—just wrap in puff pastry and bake. Blend leftovers into smoothies for natural fruit sweetness, or swirl into muffin or quick bread batter. The concentrated fruit mixture also works wonderfully as a topping for cheesecake or mixed into cream cheese for a festive bagel spread.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings): Approximately 185 calories, 6g fat, 34g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 0g protein. This casserole provides vitamin C from cranberries and apples, plus antioxidants from the cranberries. The natural fruit sugars provide energy, while the fiber aids digestion. Using fresh fruits means you’re getting more nutrients compared to processed alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole warm in elegant serving bowls or directly from the baking dish for family-style dining. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or orange zest for visual appeal. The casserole looks beautiful in individual ramekins for formal dinner parties—just reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. For buffet service, keep warm in a slow cooker on low heat setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stirring the ingredients: This breaks down the fruit prematurely and creates mushy texture. The layering technique is essential for proper texture development.

Using overripe apples: They’ll turn to mush during baking. Choose firm, slightly underripe apples for best results.

Skipping the rest period: Serving immediately results in thin, runny juices instead of the desired syrupy consistency.

Overcrowding the dish: Use the full 9×13-inch pan even if it seems large—the fruit needs space to cook evenly.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead—just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed (may need an extra 5-10 minutes). For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I make this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole ahead of time?: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed since it starts cold.
Is this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole gluten-free?: Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I use frozen cranberries in this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole?: Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Don’t thaw them first—use them straight from the freezer. They may release slightly more liquid, but this actually enhances the sauce.
How do I know when the 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole is done?: Look for burst cranberries, tender apples that pierce easily with a fork, and bubbling juices around the edges. The top should be lightly golden.
Can I reduce the sugar in this 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole?: Yes, you can reduce sugar to 1 cup for a more tart result. Keep in mind that sugar helps create the syrupy sauce, so less sugar means thinner juices.

Conclusion

Finished 4-ingredient cranberry apple holiday casserole with golden bubbling top and burst cranberries

This 4-Ingredient Cranberry Apple Holiday Casserole proves that the most memorable dishes often come from the simplest ingredients. With just cranberries, apples, sugar, and butter, you’ve created a stunning side dish that captures the essence of holiday flavors while keeping your stress levels low. The beautiful contrast of tart and sweet, combined with the gorgeous ruby color, makes this casserole a feast for both the eyes and palate. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing an intimate family meal, this reliable recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

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Author: erin