| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 353 | 17g | 10g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 4g | 7g | 0.88g |
There’s something extraordinary about the Savory Herb Stuffing that takes me right back to the heart of my Southern roots and culinary traditions. As someone who takes pride in a Southern heritage that boasts a multitude of flavors, I am especially fond of this particular stuffing recipe for its wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, savoury, and aromatic elements. It’s wonderfully versatile, finding its place in a traditional Thanksgiving spread, as a comforting side dish, or even a main entrée with a little creativity! 
Flavors That Speak to The Heart
Being from Charleston, South Carolina, the incorporation of fruits in savory dishes is not uncommon to me. The Granny Smith apples in this recipe add a unique twist and a sweet-tart contrast to the savory notes of onion, celery, and herbs. The dried cranberries also bring in a pop of sweet brightness, reminiscent of classic cranberry sauce that is a staple in Southern celebrations. It’s these seemingly small details that make my heart sing every time I prepare this dish.
More Than Just Delicious
As a food writer, I see food beyond just flavors—it’s about nourishment too. This stuffing is a healthy choice for those who enjoy indulging in good food without guilt. Apples are rich in dietary fiber and Vitamin C, while cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties. And let’s not ignore the herbs; sage, rosemary, and thyme offer a myriad of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and support for digestive health. Learn more about the benefits of these medicinal herbs here.
Perfect Pairings
If there’s one dish that this Savory Herb Stuffing shares a close kinship with, it would be the beloved chicken roast. They complement each other like sun and sea, like biscuits and gravy. The stuffing, with its flavorful medley of ingredients, enhances the chicken, just as it would a good turkey roast or even a roast pork. If you’d fancy something from the sea, try pairing it with a white fish dish—it cuts through any potential richness and envelops the palate in a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors. Check out this recipe for a perfectly roasted chicken that would go well with the stuffing.
What You’ll Need
- 10 cups cubed white bread, dried
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
- 2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
Method
Step One
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the cubed white bread into a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Step Two
Bake in the preheated oven until evenly toasted. Give it approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Check often to prevent them from burning. After toasting, remove the cubes from the oven, and allow them to cool completely.
Step Three
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the chopped onions and celery; cook and stir until the onions have softened and turned translucent. It should take about 10 minutes.
Step Four
Add the chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped sage, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and ground black pepper into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Cook and stir for another 10 minutes.
Step Five
Scrape the mixture from the skillet over the toasted bread cubes. Stir well. Beat the large eggs in a bowl until they are frothy; stir in the chicken broth. Drizzle the broth over the bread cubes. Again, stir well.
Step Six
Transfer the bread cube mixture into a large baking dish; press it down evenly into the dish.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve and enjoy your delicious Savory Herb Stuffing.
