Make Ahead Sage Apple Stuffing

5 from 4 votes

This make ahead apple sage stuffing can be prepared a day in advance for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving side dish. Bursting with flavors from the fresh herbs, apple and celery, this recipe is twice baked for a fun twist on an old classic.

Prep Time20

Cook Time2

Total Time2 20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

10 cups french bread cut into 1 inch pieces; * see note 1
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 cups celery sliced
2 cups onion chopped
2 granny smith apples chopped; skin on
¼ cup sage leaves chopped; loosely packed
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
2 ½ cups chicken stock I use reduced sodium
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

The day before serving

Prepare bread - you'll want to start with stale, dry bread. You can dry out the bread by either cutting it into cubes and leaving on the counter overnight, or toasting it in the oven at 250°F for 45 minutes.
Cook veggies and herbs - melt butter in a large pan. Add the celery, onion, apples, sage and rosemary, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Combine - grease a large, deep casserole or baking dish (at least 9 x 13 and 2 inches deep). Beat together the eggs, then mix in the chicken stock and salt in the bottom of a large bowl. Toss the bread cubes and apple/celery mixture in the egg mixture. Scoop everything into the casserole/baking dish. * See note 2
Bake - cover with foil or a reusable silicone cover, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool uncovered.
Refrigerate - cover and store in the fridge overnight. This step allows the stuffing to become extra delicious, as the herbs and apple flavor will infuse into the bread.

The day of serving

Reheat and serve - when ready to serve, bake uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour; until stuffing is crispy and golden on the top.

Notes

1 - Use a sturdy loaf of bread from the bakery department of your grocery store; french bread, sourdough or challah are all good choices.

2 - We do not recommend cooking your sage apple stuffing inside the turkey for two reasons: 1. food safety issues can arise; 2. it takes too long to cook.

Recipe adapted from Epicurious

Storage

Leftovers may be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven, or individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition