This Apple, Onion & Celery Stuffing is a cozy, flavor-packed side dish that brings warmth to any table. Crisp apples, savory onions, and tender celery mingle with aromatic herbs, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. In just 55 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, with a golden, slightly crunchy top that gives way to a soft, pillowy center.
Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes—juicy apples, caramelized onions, and the earthy crunch of celery. Packed with 6g of fiber and a hint of sweetness, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent addition to your meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this stuffing is sure to become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for Apple, Onion & Celery Stuffing
- 1 stick butter, divided (6 Tbsp for cooking, 2 Tbsp for topping)
- 6 ribs of celery, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 large onion, diced (yellow or white works best)
- 2 large apples, unpeeled and diced (Honeycrisp recommended, but Granny Smith or Fuji are great substitutes)
- 2 bay leaves (remove before baking)
- 6 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing (or your favorite seasoned stuffing mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or substitute with 1 tsp sage + 1 tsp thyme)
- 4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium preferred, or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Apple, Onion & Celery Stuffing
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onion, apples, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables and apples are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves from the saucepan. Add the dry stuffing mix, poultry seasoning, and chicken stock. Stir well until the stuffing absorbs the liquid and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Transfer the stuffing to the prepared casserole dish. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, breaking it into small pieces for even melting.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Apple, Onion & Celery Stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, consider adding a cranberry sauce or gravy to complement the savory flavors of the stuffing.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
You can prepare this stuffing up to 24 hours in advance! Simply assemble it in the casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it in the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to customize this stuffing? Try swapping the apples for pears or adding dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. For a nutty crunch, stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of apple cider to the mix for extra depth of flavor!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-diced celery and onion from the grocery store to cut down on prep. You can also use a food processor to quickly chop the apples and vegetables. If you’re making this for a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish—it’ll save you time and feed more people!
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, you’ll need a large saucepan for sautéing and a casserole dish for baking. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the stuffing mixture, and a sharp chef’s knife will make chopping the veggies and apples a breeze. Don’t forget a measuring cup for the chicken stock and a spray bottle for greasing the dish!
Apple, Onion & Celery Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, divided
- 6 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large apples, (I used Honeycrisp), unpeeled and diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add celery, onion, apples, bay leaves and salt and pepper and cook until softened (about 10 minutes). Remove bay leaves.
- Add dry stuffing, poultry seasoning and chicken stock. Stir until stuffing absorbs the liquid.
- Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and fill with stuffing.
- Use the rest of the butter to dot the top of the stuffing.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy at the edges.