Fall Flavors on Your Table: Apple Pecan Stuffing Recipe

As the leaves start to change and the cool breeze fills the air, it’s time to dive into the flavors of fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious, warm, comforting dish like apple pecan stuffing? This classic Thanksgiving side dish is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, Friendsgiving, or a holiday feast. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and savory herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this blog, we will share our mouthwatering apple pecan stuffing recipe that will elevate your fall meals to a whole new level.

Preparing for the Feast: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s go through the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful stuffing:

– 8 cups of day-old bread, cubed

– 1 cup of unsalted butter

– 2 large onions, diced

– 4 celery stalks, chopped

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (we love the crispness of Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

– 1 cup of pecans, roughly chopped (Almond Brothers’ premium pecans are the perfect choice)

– 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves

– 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped

– 1 tablespoon of fresh sage leaves, chopped

– 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

– Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Stage: Oven Preheating and Pan Greasing

To begin this culinary symphony, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that the stuffing doesn’t stick to the pan while baking, allowing for a smooth and easy serving.

First Movements: Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the diced onions and chopped celery. Sauté them until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize slightly, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its fragrance to infuse the mixture.

The Heart of the Dish: Apples, Pecans, and Herbs

Once the aromatics are cooked to perfection, it’s time to introduce the stars of the show – the apples, pecans, and herbs. Stir in the diced apples, chopped pecans, thyme leaves, rosemary, and sage. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to soften slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Bringing It All Together: Combining Bread and Sauteed Medley

Combine the cubed bread with the sautéed apple and pecan mixture in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated with the flavorful ingredients. Now, slowly drizzle in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to moisten every piece of bread. The amount of broth may vary depending on the type of bread you use, so add it gradually until you achieve your desired level of moisture.

Quality Time in the Oven: Baking the Stuffing

Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stuffing to cook through. After the initial baking time, uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crispy.

The Grand Finale: Serving and Enjoying

Remove the deliciously aromatic stuffing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it onto your guests’ plates alongside the main course and get ready for a chorus of compliments. The combination of savory herbs, sweet apples, and nutty pecans will add layers of flavor and texture to your fall meals, making every bite a delightfully cozy experience.

Discover Premium Ingredients at Almond Brothers

Thanks for joining us on this flavorful journey into the world of fall and Thanksgiving traditions. If you’re as passionate about high-quality ingredients as we are, be sure to check us out. Our range of premium nuts, including pecans that perfectly elevate our apple pecan stuffing recipe, will enhance your culinary creations. Visit Almond Brothers’ website to explore our products and elevate your fall flavors to new heights. Happy cooking and savor every delicious bite!