Thanksgiving stuffing becomes extra special when you add sweet, crisp apples to the mix. Apples pair beautifully with savory bread, sage, sausage, caramelized onions, cranberries, pecans, and warm Thanksgiving herbs, creating that irresistible sweet-and-savory combination everyone loves.

These 17 Apple Stuffing Recipes for a Sweet & Savory Thanksgiving include classic apple sage stuffing, sausage apple stuffing, cornbread versions, cranberry-apple stuffing, vegetarian options, and a few creative holiday variations.

1. Classic Apple Sage Stuffing 🍎🌿

This classic apple stuffing combines toasted bread, tender apples, celery, onion, butter, and fragrant sage. It is simple enough for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner but flavorful enough to stand out.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old French bread cubes
• 2 firm apples, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet.
5. Add onion and celery.
6. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
7. Add the diced apples.
8. Cook for another 2–3 minutes so they soften slightly while retaining some texture.
9. Stir in sage and thyme.
10. Place toasted bread in a large bowl.
11. Add the apple and vegetable mixture.
12. Whisk the eggs with 2½ cups broth.
13. Pour the liquid gradually over the bread.
14. Toss gently until evenly moistened.
15. Season with salt and pepper.
16. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
17. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
18. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden.
19. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tip: Use firm apples so they hold their shape during baking.

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2. Sausage Apple Stuffing 🥩🍎

Savory sausage and sweet apples are a perfect Thanksgiving pairing. This stuffing is hearty, flavorful, and especially delicious with turkey gravy.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb mild Italian or breakfast sausage
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes until slightly crisp.
2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet.
3. Break the sausage into small pieces.
4. Remove the cooked sausage.
5. Add butter to the skillet.
6. Sauté onion and celery until tender.
7. Add diced apples.
8. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
9. Stir in sage and thyme.
10. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and apples.
11. Whisk eggs and broth together.
12. Pour gradually over the stuffing.
13. Toss gently.
14. Transfer to a baking dish.
15. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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3. Apple Cranberry Stuffing 🍎🍒

Tart cranberries and sweet apples bring beautiful color and flavor to this festive stuffing.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery until soft.
4. Add apples.
5. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine the bread with the vegetables.
8. Add cranberries.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Pour gradually over the bread mixture.
11. Toss gently.
12. Transfer to a casserole dish.
13. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
14. Uncover during the final 15 minutes for a crispy top.

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4. Apple Pecan Stuffing 🍎🥜

Crunchy pecans add a wonderful contrast to tender apples and soft, herb-infused bread.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet.
2. Toast the bread cubes.
3. Melt butter in the skillet.
4. Cook onion and celery until tender.
5. Add diced apples.
6. Cook briefly.
7. Add sage and thyme.
8. Combine bread, vegetables, apples, and pecans.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Add the liquid gradually.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
13. Garnish with extra toasted pecans.

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5. Apple Cornbread Stuffing 🌽🍎

Crumbly cornbread and sweet apples make this a delicious Southern-inspired Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Crumble slightly dried cornbread into a large bowl.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add apples.
5. Cook for several minutes.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Add vegetables to the cornbread.
8. Stir in cranberries.
9. Whisk eggs and broth together.
10. Pour gradually over the cornbread.
11. Mix gently.
12. Transfer to a greased casserole.
13. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.

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6. Apple Sausage Sage Stuffing 🌿🍎

This recipe combines three Thanksgiving favorites: savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic sage.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp sage
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet.
4. Melt butter.
5. Sauté onion and celery.
6. Add diced apples.
7. Cook until slightly tender.
8. Stir in sage and thyme.
9. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and apples.
10. Add broth and eggs.
11. Toss gently.
12. Transfer to a casserole.
13. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
14. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.

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7. Apple Walnut Stuffing 🍎🌰

Walnuts bring a slightly earthy crunch to this sweet-and-savory stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ¾ cup walnuts
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast walnuts until fragrant.
2. Toast bread cubes.
3. Melt butter in a skillet.
4. Add onion and celery.
5. Cook until soft.
6. Add apples.
7. Stir in herbs.
8. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
9. Whisk eggs and broth.
10. Add liquid gradually.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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8. Caramelized Onion Apple Stuffing 🧅🍎

Slow-cooked onions and sweet apples give this stuffing incredible depth of flavor.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 large onions
• 2 apples
• 6 tbsp butter
• 3 celery stalks
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slice onions thinly.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet.
3. Cook onions over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until deeply golden.
5. Add diced apples.
6. Cook for 3 minutes.
7. Stir in sage and thyme.
8. Toast the bread.
9. Combine bread with the onion mixture.
10. Whisk eggs and broth.
11. Add gradually.
12. Transfer to a casserole.
13. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

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9. Apple Chestnut Stuffing 🌰🍎

Chestnuts make this stuffing feel especially elegant for a holiday dinner.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes.
2. Toast the chestnuts lightly.
3. Melt butter.
4. Sauté onion and celery.
5. Add apples.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add sage and thyme.
8. Combine bread, chestnuts, apples, and vegetables.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Add gradually.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

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10. Apple Mushroom Stuffing 🍄🍎

Earthy mushrooms balance the natural sweetness of apples in this vegetarian-friendly stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• 10 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Cook onion and celery.
4. Add mushrooms.
5. Cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated.
6. Add diced apples.
7. Stir in sage and thyme.
8. Combine with bread.
9. Whisk eggs with vegetable broth.
10. Add gradually.
11. Transfer to a casserole.
12. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

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11. Apple Bacon Stuffing 🥓🍎

Crispy bacon gives sweet apples and savory bread an irresistible smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 8 bacon slices
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Crumble and set aside.
3. Sauté onion and celery in the bacon fat.
4. Add butter if needed.
5. Add apples.
6. Cook for several minutes.
7. Add sage and thyme.
8. Combine bread, bacon, vegetables, and apples.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Pour over the stuffing.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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12. Apple Herb Stuffing with Parmesan 🧀🌿

Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish that balances the sweetness of apples.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Melt butter.
3. Cook onion and celery.
4. Add diced apples.
5. Cook until slightly tender.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine with bread.
8. Add Parmesan.
9. Whisk eggs and broth.
10. Pour over the mixture.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
13. Garnish with parsley.

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13. Apple Cranberry Pecan Stuffing 🍎🍒🥜

If you want a festive stuffing packed with texture, this combination of apples, cranberries, and pecans is hard to beat.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes.
2. Toast pecans lightly.
3. Melt butter in a skillet.
4. Sauté onion and celery.
5. Add apples.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add sage and thyme.
8. Combine bread, apples, vegetables, cranberries, and pecans.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Add the liquid gradually.
11. Transfer to a casserole.
12. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
13. Serve warm.

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14. Apple Sausage Cornbread Dressing 🌽🍎🥩

Cornbread, sausage, and apples create a hearty Southern-style Thanksgiving dressing.

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½–3 cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Crumble day-old cornbread.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Remove it from the skillet.
4. Melt butter.
5. Sauté onion and celery.
6. Add diced apples.
7. Cook briefly.
8. Stir in herbs.
9. Combine cornbread and sausage.
10. Add vegetables and apples.
11. Whisk eggs with broth.
12. Pour gradually over the mixture.
13. Transfer to a baking dish.
14. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.

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15. Apple Maple Pecan Stuffing 🍁🍎

Maple syrup adds subtle sweetness while toasted pecans provide plenty of crunch.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ¾ cup pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Toast pecans.
3. Melt butter in a skillet.
4. Cook onion and celery.
5. Add apples.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine with bread.
8. Add pecans.
9. Drizzle in maple syrup.
10. Whisk eggs with broth.
11. Add gradually.
12. Transfer to a baking dish.
13. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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16. Apple Sage Stuffing with Sausage and Cranberries 🍎🌿

This loaded holiday stuffing combines savory sausage with sweet apples, tart cranberries, and plenty of sage.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb mild sausage
• 2 apples
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes until lightly crisp.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet.
3. Remove the sausage.
4. Melt butter in the skillet.
5. Sauté onion and celery.
6. Add diced apples.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
8. Add sage and thyme.
9. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and apples.
10. Add cranberries.
11. Whisk eggs and broth.
12. Pour gradually over the bread.
13. Toss gently.
14. Season with salt and pepper.
15. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch dish.
16. Cover with foil.
17. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
18. Remove foil.
19. Bake another 15–20 minutes until golden.
20. Rest for 10 minutes.
21. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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17. Ultimate Thanksgiving Apple Stuffing 🍎🦃✨

This final recipe brings together the best sweet and savory Thanksgiving flavors: apples, sausage, cranberries, pecans, herbs, celery, onion, and golden bread.

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old French or sourdough bread cubes
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 2 firm apples, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp rubbed sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisp.
4. Brown the sausage in a large skillet.
5. Break it into small pieces.
6. Transfer sausage to a bowl.
7. Melt butter in the same skillet.
8. Add onion and celery.
9. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
10. Add diced apples.
11. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
12. Stir in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
13. Place toasted bread into a large mixing bowl.
14. Add sausage, vegetables, and apples.
15. Stir in dried cranberries and pecans.
16. Whisk eggs with 2½ cups broth.
17. Pour the broth mixture gradually over the bread.
18. Toss gently.
19. Add additional broth only if the mixture seems too dry.
20. Season with salt and pepper.
21. Stir in fresh parsley.
22. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
23. Cover tightly with foil.
24. Bake for 25 minutes.
25. Remove the foil.
26. Continue baking for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
27. Rest for 10 minutes.
28. Garnish with fresh herbs.
29. Serve warm alongside turkey and gravy.

⭐ Why This Stuffing Is Special

The combination of sweet apples, savory sausage, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, buttery vegetables, and fragrant herbs gives every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Apple Stuffing

Apple stuffing pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving dishes:

Main Dishes

• Roast turkey
• Turkey breast
• Roast chicken
• Honey-glazed ham
• Roast beef
• Pork roast
• Vegetarian Wellington

Thanksgiving Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glazed carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted root vegetables
• Homemade dinner rolls

Sauces

• Turkey gravy
• Mushroom gravy
• Apple cider gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Herb gravy

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🍎 Best Apples for Thanksgiving Stuffing

Choose apples that hold their shape during cooking.

Granny Smith

Tart and firm, making them excellent for balancing rich sausage and buttery stuffing.

Honeycrisp

Sweet, crisp, and juicy.

Pink Lady

A nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Braeburn

Firm with a warm apple flavor.

Fuji

Naturally sweet and crisp.

Tip: You can combine a tart apple with a sweeter variety for a more complex flavor.

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🥄 Tips for Perfect Apple Stuffing

1. Don’t use overly soft apples

Very soft apples can turn mushy during baking. Firm apples give the stuffing better texture.

2. Dry your bread

Slightly stale bread absorbs broth much better.

3. Don’t overcook the apples

A quick sauté is enough before baking.

4. Balance sweetness

If you’re using apples, cranberries, maple syrup, and sweet cornbread together, keep the added sugar modest.

5. Add broth gradually

The ideal stuffing should be moist but not watery.

6. Make the top crispy

Bake uncovered during the final portion of cooking to develop golden edges.

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17 Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving

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🗓️ Make-Ahead Apple Stuffing

One Day Before

• Cube and dry the bread.
• Chop apples.
• Dice onion and celery.
• Cook sausage.
• Toast nuts.
• Prepare herbs.

Thanksgiving Morning

• Sauté vegetables and apples.
• Combine the stuffing.
• Add broth.
• Transfer to a casserole dish.
• Refrigerate if preparing substantially ahead.

Before Dinner

• Bake until hot and golden.
• Remove foil toward the end.
• Garnish with fresh sage or parsley.
• Serve with turkey and gravy.

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❓ Apple Stuffing FAQs

What apples are best for stuffing?

Firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn work well because they retain texture during baking.

Can I make apple stuffing with sausage?

Absolutely. Sausage is one of the best savory partners for sweet apples and makes the stuffing more substantial.

Can I use dried apples?

Yes, although dried apples will give a more concentrated sweetness and chewier texture. Adjust the amount of broth if necessary.

Can apple stuffing be vegetarian?

Yes. Use vegetable broth and replace sausage with mushrooms, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, or additional vegetables.

Should I peel apples for stuffing?

Peeling is optional. For a softer texture and more uniform appearance, peeling is usually preferred.

Can I make apple stuffing ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the ingredients ahead and refrigerate the assembled stuffing until you’re ready to bake it. Keep it properly refrigerated until cooking.

Can I freeze apple stuffing?

Cooked stuffing can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

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🍂 Final Thoughts

These 17 Apple Stuffing Recipes for a Sweet & Savory Thanksgiving are perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet apples and savory holiday herbs.

For a traditional Thanksgiving, try Classic Apple Sage Stuffing. If you want something heartier, choose Sausage Apple Stuffing or Apple Sausage Cornbread Dressing. For a festive option, Apple Cranberry Pecan Stuffing brings beautiful color and texture to the table.

And if you’re looking for an all-in-one holiday favorite, the Ultimate Thanksgiving Apple Stuffing combines apples, sausage, cranberries, pecans, sage, and golden bread into one unforgettable Thanksgiving side.