This is a bread stuffing with diced apple, pecans and dried cranberries, seasoned with thyme and parsley and moistened with vegetable broth and melted butter. It is baked in a greased dish until the top is golden and crisp. The recipe makes 8 servings of 1 cup each and takes 55 minutes: 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven.
Save this recipe for later:
Everything goes into one large bowl, the broth and butter are mixed in a second bowl and poured over, and the dish goes into a 350°F oven. The stuffing can be assembled a day ahead, which helps on a busy holiday.
What Goes into the Stuffing
The recipe card at the bottom has the amounts.
- Bread cubes (4 cups): day-old bread is best, because it soaks up the broth without turning mushy.
- Diced apples (1 cup) and dried cranberries (1/4 cup): the sweet side of the dish.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): for crunch.
- Onion (1/2 cup) and celery (1/2 cup), diced: the savory base.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): the seasoning.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups) and melted butter (2 tablespoons): the liquid that holds it together.
Mixing and Baking
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the bread, apples, pecans, onion, celery, cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the broth and butter, pour it over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
Move it to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Tips Before Baking
- Use day-old bread: it keeps its bite after absorbing the liquid.
- Taste first: check the mixture before it goes in the oven and adjust the salt, pepper or herbs.
- Prepare ahead: assemble the stuffing a day in advance, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free bread.
Ways to Change It
- Pears: use diced pears in place of the apples.
- Walnuts: they can replace the pecans and add a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness. Hazelnuts also work.
- Other fruit: add dried apricots or figs for extra sweetness.
- Spices: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a fall flavor.
- Sausage: cooked sausage makes the stuffing heartier and adds savory depth against the apples and cranberries.
What to Serve With It
Roasted Brussels sprouts get crisp and caramelized, which contrasts with the soft stuffing. Mashed cauliflower with garlic, or green beans almondine, work as sides, and the almonds echo the pecans. A homemade cranberry sauce adds tang. To drink, herbal tea or a dry red wine both suit the rich flavors of a holiday meal.
Nutrition per Serving
One 1-cup serving has approximately 250 calories, 10 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), 35 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, 6 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
How do you store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can you freeze it?
Yes. Let it cool completely, move it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can replace vegetable broth?
Chicken broth works. For a vegetarian version, use water with a splash of soy sauce or miso.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes, as written. It has no meat, and the broth is vegetable broth.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Apple Pecan Stuffing: Discover the Perfect Recipe!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, diced apples, chopped pecans, onion, celery, cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable broth and melted butter.
Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
Feel free to add other nuts or dried fruits to customize the stuffing.
This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 calories |
| Sugar Content | 5g |
| Sodium Content | 300mg |
| Fat Content | 10g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 8g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 35g |
| Fiber Content | 4g |
| Protein Content | 6g |
| Cholesterol Content | 5mg |