Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing | A Flavorful Delight!

This cozy, flavorful stuffing balances the rich sweetness of caramelized onions with the tart bite of fresh apples. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and fully vegetarian, making it a standout dish for any holiday spread or family dinner. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning Christmas dinner, or simply craving a comforting side, this Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing offers homemade warmth in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this stuffing. First, the flavor is rich and layered. Caramelized onions bring sweet depth, apples add a bright contrast, and herbs like thyme bring earthiness that ties it all together. Second, it’s vegetarian and nourishing, making it accessible to nearly everyone at your table. Finally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with a single skillet and one baking dish. You can even prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient contributes to the stuffing’s beautiful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups bread cubes
Use crusty, day-old bread like sourdough or rustic white. These absorb the broth well and hold their shape without turning mushy.

2 large onions, thinly sliced
This is the soul of the dish. Slowly caramelized, the onions deliver sweet, deep flavor that defines the stuffing.

2 apples, peeled and diced
Choose firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They offer a gentle sweetness and a bit of structure even after baking.

1/2 cup celery, chopped
Celery adds a mild crunch and aromatic freshness that pairs well with onions and herbs.

1/4 cup butter
Butter is used to sauté the vegetables and enhances their flavor. You can substitute plant-based butter if needed.

1 teaspoon dried thyme
This herb offers a warming, earthy note that complements both the apples and the onions.

1 teaspoon salt
It brings out all the individual flavors and ensures the bread and broth come to life.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
A mild touch of heat that balances the sweetness of apples and caramelized onions.

2 cups vegetable broth
This moistens the bread and brings everything together. Use low-sodium broth to better control seasoning.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Adds a pop of color and a clean, fresh finish to the baked stuffing.

How to Make Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing

This stuffing is simple, homey, and dependable. It starts with caramelizing onions, then adding apples and herbs. After mixing with bread cubes and broth, it bakes to golden, crispy perfection. All you need is one skillet and a baking dish.

Begin by gently cooking onions and celery until sweet and soft. Then add apples and seasonings. Combine everything with bread cubes in a bowl and moisten with broth. After transferring to a baking dish, you’ll bake until golden and crisp on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium baking dish lightly.
2. Caramelize the Onions
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and chopped celery. Stir often and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until onions are golden and very soft.
3. Add Apples and Seasoning
   Stir in the diced apples, then sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes. The apples should soften but keep their shape.
4. Combine with Bread Cubes
   Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the warm onion-apple mixture over the top and stir gently to combine.
5. Add Vegetable Broth
   Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, mixing gently to ensure all the bread is moistened but not soggy. Let it sit for a minute to absorb.
6. Stir in Fresh Parsley
   Fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish before baking.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly without pressing it down too tightly.
8. Bake
   Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown and crisp while the inside stays moist and tender.

Helpful Tips

Use day-old or toasted bread for the best texture. Fresh bread may turn mushy. Always caramelize the onions slowly. Don’t rush this step because it develops a deep, savory sweetness that gives the stuffing its signature flavor. You can prepare the stuffing in advance. Assemble it a day before and refrigerate. Just reheat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. For extra texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or dried cranberries just before baking.

Details

Flavor: Sweet, savory, herby, and buttery
Texture: Crisp on top, soft and moist inside
Occasion: Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight comfort
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Notes

Feel free to mix in other ingredients for variety. A handful of dried cranberries adds sweetness and color. Chopped pecans bring crunch. For a meaty version, cooked sausage or bacon works well. You can also swap thyme for rosemary or sage depending on preference. To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and ensure your broth is completely vegetable-based.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient: Calories – 250
Fat – 10g
Saturated Fat – 5g
Unsaturated Fat – 3g
Trans Fat – 0g
Carbohydrates – 35g
Fiber – 4g
Sugar – 5g
Protein – 5g
Sodium – 300mg
Cholesterol – 15mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add meat to this stuffing?
Yes, you can. Adding cooked sausage or bacon is a delicious way to introduce a savory element. Just brown it and mix it in with the onions and apples before adding the bread.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick servings.

Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. There are no meat ingredients in this recipe. The rich flavor comes from caramelized onions, apples, butter, and broth. If you use plant-based butter and confirm your broth is vegan, it’s also suitable for vegans.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months
To Reheat: Place in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 20 minutes. Or reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

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Amish Harvest Casserole
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Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing delivers the comforting feel of the holidays with flavor that satisfies everyone at the table. Sweet, savory, buttery, and crisp, it checks every box for the perfect side dish. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your guests will love how delicious it tastes. Try it at your next gathering, and don’t forget to share how it turned out.