Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it becomes the star of your holiday table - our Mushroom, Apple, and Sage Stuffing is exactly that culinary masterpiece! Blending the earthy richness of mushrooms, the subtle sweetness of apples, and the aromatic depth of fresh sage, this stuffing transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in diced apples and chopped sage, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until apples start to soften slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slowly pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top. Serve hot as a side dish.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents soggy stuffing.
- Toast bread cubes thoroughly to create a crispy base that holds up to the moisture of vegetables and broth.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - caramelizing onions, celery, and mushrooms develops deep, complex flavors.
- Add broth gradually and mix gently to ensure even moisture without turning the stuffing into a mushy mess.
- For extra richness, consider substituting some butter with chicken or turkey drippings.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking and watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
