If you’re on the hunt for a truly comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth, aroma, and a touch of sweetness to your holiday table, this Apple Stuffing Recipe is an absolute must. Combining the cozy crunch of crusty bread, the mellow sweetness of fresh apples, and a fragrant blend of herbs, every bite feels like a gentle hug that perfectly complements roast turkey or chicken. This recipe strikes an effortless balance between savory and sweet, making it a family favorite you’ll want to bring out not just for special occasions but any time you crave that seasonal soul food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Apple Stuffing Recipe. These simple, fresh components each add their unique layer of flavor, texture, and color, creating a beautiful harmony in the finished dish.
- 1 lb. crusty bread: Using bread with a sturdy crust ensures your stuffing has that perfect chewy texture with a little crunch.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds rich creaminess and helps soften the veggies while enhancing flavor.
- 1 onion (diced): Offers a sweet, savory base that deepens the overall taste.
- 4 ribs celery (diced): Brings a fresh, slightly peppery crunch for balanced texture.
- 1 apple (chopped): Injects just the right amount of sweetness and moisture to brighten the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth without overpowering other flavors.
- ¾ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making the dish sing.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat to counter the sweetness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Contributes a fresh, vibrant note and pretty flecks of green.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage: Classic herbal warmth that ties the stuffing to traditional fall flavors.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds a slightly floral, woodsy aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist with gentle savory undertones.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder to hold everything together with a tender finish.
How to Make Apple Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a low 200°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or melted butter. This warm-up stage helps get your pan ready so the stuffing cooks evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Spread the bread cubes out on an ungreased sheet pan and bake them gently for 20 minutes. Toasting the bread is key—it dries them out so they soak up all those wonderful flavors without turning mushy.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
While the bread is toasting, melt your butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Then add diced onion, celery, and apple. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes, letting them soften just enough without browning, so their natural sweetness shines through.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for just one more minute. This brief step wakes up those herbs and spices, infusing the mixture with wonderful depth before combining them with the bread.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the softened mixture to a large bowl. Once your bread is toasted and your oven temperature is raised to 350°F, add the bread cubes, fresh parsley, sage, thyme, chicken broth, and beaten eggs. Toss gently but thoroughly, giving the bread a chance to soak up some of the broth and binder for a moist, cohesive stuffing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes to set the flavors and soften the bread further. Then, remove the foil for an additional 10 minutes to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown top, ensuring the center feels firm and no longer jiggles when you move the pan.
Step 7: Final Touches
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy the apple’s subtle sweetness alongside the savory herbs and buttery bread.
How to Serve Apple Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme make wonderful garnishes for your Apple Stuffing Recipe. They not only add vibrant color to the top but also refresh the palate with their bright, herbal notes after every bite.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad. The sweet apple pieces balance hearty mains like roast turkey, chicken, or pork, making it versatile for many meals beyond just the holidays.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out baked apples or small squash for an elegant twist. You could also use it as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or chicken breasts, turning this classic recipe into something unexpected and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it tasting fresh, reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out, as the textures can change once chilled.
Freezing
You can freeze your Apple Stuffing Recipe for up to 2 months. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to help preserve its moist, tender texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat stuffing in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. A quick stovetop reheat with a splash of broth can also refresh leftovers nicely.
FAQs
Can I make the Apple Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the depth of flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of bread works best for this stuffing?
Crusty bread like a French baguette or sourdough is ideal because it holds up well during baking and soaks up the broth without turning mushy.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing the day before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh on the day you want to serve it.
Is it possible to make this stuffing gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the bread for your favorite gluten-free bread, and you’ll still get that lovely texture and flavor combination.
How can I add more crunch to this stuffing?
Toast some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them on top before the final bake for an extra textural dimension.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Stuffing Recipe is a deliciously simple way to bring that warm, homey feeling to your table with every forkful. It’s a recipe to cherish, easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for holiday celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy how the sweet apples and fragrant herbs come together to make something truly memorable and comforting.
Print
Apple Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic and comforting Apple Stuffing recipe perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy meal. This stuffing features crusty bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, and sweet apple, seasoned with fresh herbs and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 1 lb. crusty bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, store bought or homemade)
Sautéed Vegetables and Fruits
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 ribs celery (diced)
- 1 apple (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Herbs
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Liquid & Binder
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (turkey or vegetable broth can also be used)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Toast Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes evenly on an ungreased sheet pan. Bake them at 200°F for 20 minutes to dry them out and slightly toast.
- Sauté Vegetables and Apple: While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and chopped apple. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is softened but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors. Remove from heat and transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Once the bread cubes are toasted, remove them from the oven and turn the oven temperature up to 350°F to prepare for baking the stuffing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the toasted bread cubes, chopped fresh parsley, sage, thyme, low-sodium chicken broth, and beaten eggs into the large bowl with the sautéed mixture. Toss well to ensure the bread absorbs the broth and the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the stuffing to cook through without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is firm, not jiggly, when gently shaken.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the stuffing with additional fresh herbs for color and flavor. Serve warm as a perfect side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or vegetable broth for chicken broth for different flavor or dietary preferences.
- Toast the bread cubes well to achieve the perfect texture; soggy bread will result in a mushy stuffing.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the quantity.
- This stuffing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it covered until heated through, adding the final uncovered step for browning.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs if desired.
