Are you looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Apple Raisin Stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with homemade cooking. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes that perfectly complement your main course. Forget dry, boring stuffing; this recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful side that everyone will gobble up.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (12-ounce) loaf of bread, cubed (day-old bread works best!)
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This step builds the base flavor of your stuffing.
Step 2: Add the Spices and Bread
Stir in the sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed bread and toss to coat evenly with the vegetables and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb some of the flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Apples and Raisins
Add the diced apples and raisins to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the apples start to soften slightly.
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake
Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring to moisten the bread. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Raisin Stuffing:
- Use day-old bread: Day-old bread is ideal for stuffing as it absorbs the liquid better and prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy.
- Don't over-bake: Over-baking can dry out the stuffing. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes and bake until golden brown and heated through.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference. A pinch of extra salt or pepper might be necessary depending on your preference.
Variations:
- Cranberry stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries along with the raisins for an extra burst of tartness.
- Nutty stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Sausage stuffing: Brown 1 pound of sausage (Italian sausage is a great choice) before adding the onions and celery for a savory twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This easy apple raisin stuffing recipe is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast or any special dinner. Enjoy!