Sage and Apple Stuffing

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This speedy Thanksgiving stuffing requires only 20 minutes of hands-on time. Flavors like butter-crisped sage and sweet apple are perfect for celebrating fall.

sage apple stuffing recipe
Photo: Anna Williams
Hands On Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Yield:
10 serves

A rich, flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing shouldn’t require you to spend all day chopping and stirring. There are pies to make and turkeys to roast! This recipe isn't time consuming, but it sure is delicious. Dotting the top of the stuffing with butter before it goes into the oven ensures every bite has a bit of crave-worthy crust.

Ingredients

  • 1 1-lb. crusty rustic bread loaf, torn into 1½-in. pieces

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ cup packed fresh sage leaves

  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

  • 4 stalks celery, sliced

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 1 large unpeeled Fuji or Pink Lady apple, grated on large holes of a box grater

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Spread bread on 2 rimmed baking sheets and bake until dry and crisp (but hasn't taken on any color), 18 to 20 minutes, rotating baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through. Let cool for 30 minutes. (Cooled, toasted bread cubes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.)

  2. While the bread cools, increase the oven to 350° F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high until butter melts. Add sage; cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sage to a plate.

  3. Add onions, celery, pepper, and 1½ teaspoons salt to the same skillet; cook, stirring often, until the mixture softens and just begins to turn golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; add bread, grated apple, and half of the crisped sage.

  4. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until lightly beaten; add broth, vinegar, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and whisk to combine. Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture; stir gently to combine. Let mixture stand, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes.

  5. Transfer bread-apple mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with remaining crisped sage and dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover dish with foil; bake at 350° F until steaming and slightly puffed about 30 minutes. Uncover; continue baking until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

A well-buttered pan and plenty of aromatics make every bite extra delicious.

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