If you’re searching for a cozy, slightly sweet, and savory side dish that brings an unexpected twist to your holiday or everyday meals, then this Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe is going to be your new favorite. The tender cornbread cubes soak up the rich broth while the juicy apples add a delightful burst of freshness and subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory onions and celery. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey or as part of a comforting family dinner, this recipe promises a balance of texture and flavor that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is half the fun, as each one plays a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony in your stuffing. From the hearty cornbread cubes to the crisp apples, every element enhances this dish’s comforting character.
- Prepared cornbread (18 to 24 oz., cubed): Provides the soft, crumbly base that absorbs all the delicious broth.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp.): Adds subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Butter (1 tbsp.): Brings a creamy, luscious note to the vegetable sauté.
- Large onion, chopped (1): Introduces a savory sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Celery stalks, sliced (4): Adds a fresh crunch and earthy undertones.
- Salt (1 tsp.): Enhances all the flavors in the stuffing perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp.): Gives a gentle spicy kick that sings in every bite.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 ¼ to 2 ¾ cups): Moistens the stuffing and infuses it with savory goodness.
- Medium apples, chopped (3): Impart a naturally sweet crispness that makes this stuffing stand out.
How to Make Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by cutting your prepared cornbread into ½-inch cubes. This size ensures that the bread will absorb the broth evenly without turning mushy. Set the cubes aside while you get the other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts into a golden pool. Toss in the chopped onions and sliced celery, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté these until the onions become translucent and softened, and the celery is tender but retains a slight crunch. This step builds the savory foundation for the stuffing’s complex flavor.
Step 3: Add the Apples
Stir the chopped apples into the skillet with the veggies. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes to just soften the apples. This warms them slightly while keeping their natural sweetness and slight bite, which adds a beautiful contrast to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cornbread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Gently pour the sautéed apple and vegetable mixture over the cubes. Slowly add your broth by the half cup, folding it in carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The goal is a cohesive mixture that stays light and fluffy but is flavorful and moist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes to develop a slightly crisp, golden crust that makes every bite a delightful experience.
How to Serve Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and an herbal zing, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the stuffing just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also brightens the overall flavor, echoing the freshness of the apples wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey and chicken, making it an ideal choice for holiday feasts. It also complements roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad, balancing richness with vibrant, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this stuffing in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins. It’s a charming way to impress guests and turn a classic side into an appealing centerpiece, making your meal memorable and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its wonderful blend of flavors even after resting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the stuffing tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its deliciousness.
Reheating
Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to refresh that lovely golden crust. Reheating on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth also works for smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I make the stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep all the flavors intact while making the recipe suitable for vegetarians.
What type of apples work best?
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape and provide a nice balance between tartness and sweetness.
Can I use homemade cornbread?
Yes, homemade cornbread works wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and cubed before mixing with the stuffing ingredients.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a holiday dinner?
Prepare the stuffing mixture up to the baking step, then keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it as directed on the day of your meal for the freshest taste.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the stuffing?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or dried cranberries make fantastic additions, adding festive texture and bursts of flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just longing for a heartwarming side dish that blends sweet and savory in the best way, this Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and sure to earn a spot on your family’s list of favorites. Give it a go—you’ll love how it transforms your meal into something truly memorable.
Print
Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cornbread Stuffing with Apples recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners. It combines the sweetness of fresh apples with savory cornbread, onions, and celery, all moistened with flavorful broth for a delicious balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, sliced
- 3 medium apples, chopped
Base
- 18 to 24 oz. prepared cornbread, cut into ½-inch cubes
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
Seasonings & Broth
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 ¼ to 2 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and apples: Chop the onion and slice the celery into thin pieces. Core and chop the apples into medium-sized chunks to combine later into the stuffing.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the cubed cornbread. Add the sautéed onions and celery along with the chopped apples. Toss gently to mix.
- Add broth: Slowly pour in 2 ¼ to 2 3/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, stirring carefully as you go. The mixture should be moist but not soggy; add broth gradually and adjust to desired consistency.
- Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and crisp.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use slightly stale cornbread for the best texture; fresh cornbread might make stuffing too mushy.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
- Allergy note: Contains dairy (butter).
