Savory Herb and Apple Stuffing

Name: Savory Herb and Apple Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 large onion, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage; 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Savory Herb and Apple Stuffing is that perfect side dish you didn’t know you needed. With its fragrant herbs, tart apples, and a touch of sweetness from cranberries, it’s the ideal complement to any holiday feast or cozy family dinner.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Savory Herb and Apple Stuffing

The foundation of this dish is cubed bread, preferably day-old, which soaks up all the delicious flavors. Butter brings a rich, creamy element, helping to meld the ingredients together. Onion and celery provide an aromatic base, giving depth to the stuffing. Granny Smith apples add a tart, fruity contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory herbs. Dried cranberries lend a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture. Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme offer a fragrant, earthy aroma. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances the flavors. Finally, chicken broth moistens the stuffing, ensuring it’s flavorful and not dry.

Tips & Tricks

Use a mix of bread types like sourdough and whole wheat for added texture and flavor.
Prepare the vegetable and apple mixture a day ahead to save time on the big day.
If you prefer a more moist stuffing, add an extra half cup of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also delicious served alongside a hearty soup or stew. Try adding a dollop of cranberry sauce on top for a festive touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?: Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?: You can use dried herbs instead. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, you can freeze the cooked stuffing for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Savory Herb and Apple Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread your cubed bread out on a baking sheet and let it toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step helps dry out the bread, which will better absorb the flavors later on. Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add in the diced onion and celery, cooking them until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, toss in the diced apples and let them cook alongside the onions and celery for another 5 minutes until they start to soften slightly. Stir in the dried cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. This herb and fruit mixture should be aromatic and well-mixed.

In a large bowl, combine your now-toasted bread cubes with the skillet mixture. Pour the chicken broth over everything and gently toss until the bread is evenly moistened. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, cover it with foil, and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This last step ensures your stuffing has a lovely golden brown top and slightly crispy edges.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Easy to prepare ahead of time – a stress-free addition to your menu.
Versatile enough to accompany a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

8 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp chopped fresh sage

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 cups chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.

3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

4. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened.

5. Stir in the apples and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Mix in the cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

7. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the skillet mixture.

8. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and toss until evenly moistened.

9. Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.

10. Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.

Save Print

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!