Simple Stuffing with Apples for Thanksgiving

The apples in this stuffing recipe add just the right touch of sweetness that plays perfectly with the savory onions, celery, and herbs. Toss in some nuts if you’re feeling fancy, or leave them out if your family has a “no crunch in stuffing” rule. Either way, this dish delivers a cozy balance that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a juicy chicken on a weeknight.

What is Apple Stuffing?

Apple stuffing is a classic bread-based stuffing that’s made with a mix of savory vegetables, herbs, and diced apples. The apples bring a natural sweetness that makes the stuffing more flavorful and festive, making it a favorite for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

What tools do you need to make this recipe?

• Foil for covering during baking
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

RELATED: Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins – these oatmeal raisin cookies are the epitome of simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time. 

Why you’ll love this easy recipe for stuffing with apples

• It can be made ahead and baked later—holiday stress, be gone!
• Apples add a subtle sweetness that balances savory flavors.
• Works with turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Simple, cozy ingredients you probably already have.
• Leftovers taste just as good (if not better).

What ingredients do you need to make this simple make-ahead apple stuffing recipe?

• 10 cups cubed day-old bread (white, wheat, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How to make stuffing with apples from scratch, you’ve got this!

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes until lightly crisp.

1. Melt butter in a large skillet, add celery and onion, and cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in apples and cook 3–4 minutes more.

1. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a mixing bowl. Add cooked veggies, apples, nuts, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

1. Gradually pour in broth until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs.

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread mixture into the prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.

1. Remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes until golden on top.

Make this simple apple stuffing recipe then check out more of my simple baking recipes.

How to store leftovers of apple stuffing

Cool the stuffing completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Here are three handy tips to make your apple stuffing turn out perfectly every time:

• Go with day-old bread – Fresh bread turns into a gummy mess, so grab yesterday’s loaf. No old bread on hand? Cube it up and give it a quick toast in the oven.
• Stick with firm apples – Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are your best friends here. They hold their shape and keep that sweet-tart bite instead of going mushy.
• Don’t drown the bread – Add the broth a little at a time until it’s just moistened. You want stuffing, not soup, and this trick keeps the top nice and golden.

Frequently asked questions

This simple make-ahead apple stuffing is an easy win for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. With sweet apples, savory herbs, and that golden baked top, it’s a holiday side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and makes your table feel extra festive.

Apple Stuffing Recipe

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This apple stuffing recipe blends tender bread cubes, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs for a balance of savory and fruity flavors. It's a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish for turkey.

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Makes: 8 servings

janice

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed day-old bread white, wheat, or a mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs beaten

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until lightly crisp.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion; cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in apples and cook for 3–4 minutes more.
• Transfer bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked vegetables and apples, nuts (if using), parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
• Pour in broth gradually, tossing until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes, until the top is lightly browned.

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