Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy meal. The tender apples add a subtle sweetness that balances the rich caramelized onions, making this stuffing a show-stopper on your table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread cubes
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the onions and celery to the skillet, cooking until the onions are caramelized and soft.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced apples, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the onion and apple mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture and stir gently until well combined and moistened.
7. Step 7: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade bread cubes for a richer, more flavorful stuffing.
• Add toasted nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
• This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and reheated just before serving to save time.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy on top, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this stuffing?

Yes, you can use any bread you prefer. Day-old bread works best to avoid sogginess, and rustic or sourdough breads add great texture and flavor.

Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. This recipe uses vegetable broth and no meat, making it a delicious vegetarian option.

Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing is a deliciously flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or any comforting meal. It combines sweet caramelized onions and apples with savory herbs and bread cubes, baked to a golden brown. The combination of tender fruit, aromatic herbs, and crunchy bread creates a balance of textures and tastes that will complement your main dishes beautifully.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Stuffing Base

• 4 cups bread cubes

Vegetables & Fruit

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped

Seasonings & Liquids

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing evenly.
2. Caramelize the onions and celery: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and chopped celery, cooking while stirring occasionally until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
3. Add apples and seasoning: Stir in the peeled, diced apples along with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the apples slightly.
4. Combine stuffing ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the cooked onion-apple mixture. Pour the vegetable broth over the bread and veggies, stirring gently until everything is evenly moistened but not soggy.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Grease a large baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake the stuffing: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. This baking step helps the flavors to develop fully and gives the stuffing a lovely texture contrast.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade bread cubes instead of store-bought.
• Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for extra texture and dimension.
• This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and reheated just before serving to save time on your busy holiday schedule.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion, Apple Stuffing, Holiday Recipe, Vegetarian Stuffing