Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked stuffing wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn afternoon. This Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing captures the very essence of the season—warm, savory, and gently sweet from tender apples and fragrant herbs. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Inspired by classic harvest flavors, this dish blends the heartiness of bread cubes with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthiness of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. It’s a celebration of the season’s bounty—one that complements roasted turkey, chicken, or even a simple vegetable main dish. Whether it’s served as the centerpiece of a holiday table or as a comforting side on a weeknight, this stuffing brings together tradition, comfort, and irresistible fall flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably sourdough or country-style bread)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh, minced)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (plus more if needed)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the bread base:
   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet and toast for 15–20 minutes until they’re dry and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sauté the vegetables and apples:
   In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 7–8 minutes. Add the diced apples and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Season the mixture:
   Sprinkle in the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables and apples with the fragrant herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom.

4. Combine the ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed apple mixture. Gently toss until well mixed.

5. Add moisture and bind:
   Whisk together the broth and eggs in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. If the stuffing feels too dry, add a bit more broth, one tablespoon at a time.

6. Add fresh herbs:
   Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Bake the stuffing:
   Transfer the stuffing mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

8. Serve and enjoy:
   Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or herbs if desired for a beautiful presentation.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Yield

8 servings

The Perfect Side for Every Autumn Gathering

This Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing isn’t just a side dish—it’s the heart of a cozy meal. The combination of tender apples and savory herbs creates an inviting balance of sweet and earthy flavors. When baked, the edges crisp up beautifully while the inside remains soft and moist, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.

It’s a perfect companion for roasted poultry or hearty vegetable mains, but it also stands well on its own with a drizzle of homemade gravy or a pat of butter. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or preparing a simple Sunday dinner, this stuffing has a timeless appeal that feels like home.

Tips for the Best Stuffing Texture

1. Use day-old bread:
   Slightly stale bread absorbs broth and flavor more effectively without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, simply toast it in the oven as instructed.

2. Choose the right apples:
   Firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji work beautifully. They hold their shape during baking and add subtle sweetness.

3. Don’t skip the herbs:
   Fresh or dried herbs elevate the stuffing’s aroma and flavor. If you can, use fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary—they bring a fragrant, garden-fresh touch.

4. Moisten, but don’t soak:
   Add the broth gradually until the bread is just moist. The stuffing should hold together slightly when pressed but not be soggy.

5. Bake covered, then uncovered:
   This two-step method ensures the inside stays moist while the top develops that irresistible crisp crust.

Why Apples Work So Well in Stuffing

Adding apples to stuffing might sound unconventional, but it’s a game changer. Their natural sweetness enhances the savory depth of the dish, creating layers of flavor that dance between cozy and refreshing. The apples also add a subtle juiciness that keeps the stuffing from drying out during baking.

In many classic harvest dishes, apples are used to symbolize abundance and the changing of the seasons. By incorporating them here, you not only infuse your dish with flavor but also capture the nostalgic spirit of autumn. Each bite becomes a perfect harmony of fruit and herb, sweet and savory—a true reflection of fall’s best offerings.

Variations to Try

• Cranberry-Apple Herb Stuffing:
  Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart pop of color and flavor.

• Wild Rice & Apple Stuffing:
  Replace 3 cups of bread cubes with cooked wild rice for an earthy, nutty twist.

• Savory Mushroom & Apple Stuffing:
  Sauté 1 cup of chopped mushrooms with the onions for extra umami flavor.

• Butternut Squash & Apple Stuffing:
  Add 1 cup of roasted butternut squash cubes for a sweet, creamy balance.

Each variation brings its own personality to the dish while maintaining the warm apple-and-herb foundation that makes this recipe so special.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The beauty of this stuffing is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. During the busy holiday season, that’s a lifesaver.

1. One day ahead:
   Prepare the recipe up to the point of baking. Cover the unbaked stuffing tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.

2. When ready to bake:
   Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. Then bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed.

3. Freezing option:
   You can also freeze the unbaked stuffing in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve It

This stuffing pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted chicken or turkey

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts

• Simple mushroom or onion gravy

It’s equally delicious served warm from the oven or reheated the next day. In fact, some people even prefer the leftovers—because the flavors meld even more overnight, making every bite richer and deeper.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in oven: Place the stuffing in a baking dish, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of broth, and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

• Reheat in microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual servings until warmed through.

The key to delicious reheated stuffing is adding a touch of moisture to bring back that soft, fresh-baked texture.

Why You’ll Love This Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing

This stuffing represents everything comforting about fall—warm flavors, cozy textures, and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that can be made ahead, customized, and served alongside nearly any dish.

From its sweet bursts of apple to its savory herbal fragrance, every element of this stuffing feels intentional. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill plates—it fills hearts and homes with warmth.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quiet dinner for two, this Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing promises to bring the spirit of the season right to your table—one golden, fragrant spoonful at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When baking, add an extra few minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

2. Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and this dish remains flavorful and hearty while being completely vegetarian.

3. What’s the best type of bread to use?
Crusty breads like sourdough, French bread, or rustic country loaves work best. They have the ideal texture to soak up the flavorful broth without becoming mushy.

4. How do I keep stuffing from getting soggy?
Make sure the bread is properly dried or toasted before mixing. Also, add the broth gradually, just until the mixture is moist and cohesive.

Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked stuffing wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn afternoon. This Autumnal Apple & Herb Stuffing captures the essence of the season—warm, savory, and gently sweet from tender apples and fragrant herbs. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Inspired by traditional harvest flavors, this dish blends hearty bread cubes with the sweetness of apples and the earthiness of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. It’s a beautiful addition to any holiday table or weeknight meal, offering nostalgic flavor and heartwarming comfort in every bite.

See also  Fire-Roasted Tomato Chili Recipe

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably sourdough or country-style bread)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh, minced)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (plus more if needed)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet and toast for 15–20 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery, sauté until softened and translucent, about 7–8 minutes.

• Add the diced apples and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

• Sprinkle in sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables and apples with the herbs, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the sautéed apple mixture. Toss gently until mixed.

• Whisk together broth and eggs in a separate bowl. Pour the liquid over the bread mixture, tossing gently until evenly moistened but not soggy. Add extra broth if needed.

• Stir in fresh parsley and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Transfer mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old or toasted bread for the best texture.

• Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work best because they hold their shape during baking.

• Add a few tablespoons of broth if the stuffing seems dry before baking.

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Reheat with a splash of broth in the oven to restore moisture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

Michelle Davis