There is something truly magical about the cozy, comforting flavors of a well-made stuffing, and nothing beats the charm of a Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe during the holiday season or any family gathering. This dish perfectly balances the sweet juiciness of apples with the rich, crumbly texture of cornbread, all brought together with savory notes from onions, celery, and broth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying your hand at stuffing for the first time, this recipe serves up twelve generous portions of pure warmth and satisfaction. I promise, once you try this Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe, it will find an everlasting place on your favorite recipe list.

Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and color. From the soft, buttery cubes of cornbread to the crisp, sweet apples, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious, flavorful stuffing.

18 to 24 oz. prepared cornbread, cut into ½-inch cubes: The star of the dish, providing a crumbly base with a hint of sweetness.
2 tbsp. olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables evenly.
1 tbsp. butter: Brings a silky depth and enhances the overall flavor.
1 large onion, chopped: Offers a robust, savory background that complements the apples beautifully.
4 stalks of celery, sliced: Adds a pleasant crunch and fresh, herbal notes.
1 tsp. salt: Elevates all flavors, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned.
½ tsp. ground black pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.
2 ¼ to 2 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Moistens the cornbread cubes while infusing them with savory goodness.
3 medium apples, chopped: Inject sweetness and a juicy contrast that makes this stuffing unforgettable.

How to Make Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread

Start by cutting your prepared cornbread into uniform ½-inch cubes. This ensures even absorption of the broth and consistent texture throughout. Using a slightly stale cornbread can actually help prevent sogginess, but fresh works just fine if you prefer.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, seasoning them with the salt and pepper. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the celery softens slightly—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The flavors released here build the savory foundation for your stuffing.

Step 3: Incorporate the Apples

Add the chopped apples to the vegetable mixture. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften but still hold some crispness. This step is crucial as it marries the sweet and savory elements that make this Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe so special.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Transfer the cornbread cubes to a large mixing bowl and pour the sautéed vegetables and apples over them. Slowly add your broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread evenly. The amount of broth depends on your preference for a drier or moister stuffing, so add gradually until the texture feels just right.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing mixture into a buttered casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the top get golden and slightly crispy, creating that classic comforting crust.

How to Serve Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a lively burst of color and herbaceous aroma that complements the cornbread’s sweetness and the savory vegetables. Consider a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper just before serving to enhance the flavor with a little extra warmth.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, but don’t stop there! It also serves as a hearty side for pork tenderloin or baked ham. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, pair it with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance its richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for holiday dinners or intimate gatherings. You can also stuff it inside bell peppers or bake it alongside butternut squash halves for a delightful showstopper that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, this stuffing freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your stuffing in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to restore a bit of the crisp texture on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture too soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cornbread for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, homemade cornbread adds a wonderful freshness and allows you to customize sweetness and moisture perfectly. Just make sure it’s cut into ½-inch cubes and slightly dry for best results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and all other ingredients remain the same. The apples and vegetables provide plenty of flavor, so this dish stands strong on its own as a vegetarian option.

What type of apples works best in this stuffing?

Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well and offer a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the savory cornbread and vegetables.

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes the Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe perfect for busy holiday schedules.

How can I make the stuffing less moist?

If you prefer drier stuffing, add broth gradually and stop as soon as the cornbread is just moistened but not soggy. You can also bake uncovered for a bit longer to achieve a firmer, crispier top.

Final Thoughts

This Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your tastebuds. The balance of sweet apples, savory vegetables, and crumbly cornbread creates a symphony of comforting flavors that’s perfect for any festive table or cozy family meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this memorable side dish that’s sure to bring smiles all around.

Cornbread Stuffing with Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 60 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and comforting Cornbread Stuffing with Apples recipe that combines savory cornbread, aromatic onions and celery, and sweet chopped apples, all moistened with flavorful broth. Perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or anytime you want a slightly sweet and savory stuffing.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread

18 to 24 oz. prepared cornbread, cut into ½-inch cubes

Vegetables & Fruits

1 large onion, chopped
4 stalks of celery, sliced
3 medium apples, chopped

Fats & Seasonings

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Liquids

2 ¼ to 2 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Cornbread Cubes: Cut the prepared cornbread into ½-inch cubes and set aside to dry slightly; this helps prevent sogginess in the stuffing.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Apples and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped apples, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the apples to soften slightly while mixing well with vegetables.
Combine Ingredients: Place the cornbread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable and apple mixture over the cornbread.
Add Broth: Gradually add 2 ¼ to 2 3/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the cornbread and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine. Use enough broth to moisten the mixture without making it soggy.
Bake the Stuffing: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to develop a slightly crispy top.

Notes

Use slightly stale or day-old cornbread for best texture; fresh cornbread can make stuffing mushy.
Chicken broth will add richness, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
Adjust the amount of broth as needed depending on how moist you prefer your stuffing.
This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
For a gluten-free option, ensure the prepared cornbread is made with gluten-free ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American