Golden Corn Bread Stuffing is a classic American side dish that combines the savory flavor of seasoned corn bread with the gentle sweetness of fresh apples. Cornbread-based dressings and stuffings have long been especially popular in American home cooking, where inexpensive pantry staples could be transformed into a flavorful accompaniment for poultry and pork. This vintage version adds Golden or Red Delicious apples, onion, celery, parsley, thyme, sage, and black pepper, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors. Baked until warmed through and lightly crisp around the edges, it is particularly well suited to Thanksgiving or a traditional Sunday dinner. The original card even recommends serving it with chicken, pork, or fish.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 Golden or Red Delicious apples (cored and finely chopped (about 1½ cups))
- ¾ cup onion (chopped )
- ½ cup chopped celery (chopped )
- 3 tbsp butter ( or margarine)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped )
- 6 oz cornbread stuffing mix (6 oz corn bread stuffing mix)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- ½ tsp sage
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup hot water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Core and finely chop the apples to make approximately 1½ cups.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt the butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and celery in the butter until softened.
Step 3: Combine the Stuffing
- Stir in the chopped apples and parsley.
- Add the corn bread stuffing mix, salt, thyme, sage, and black pepper.
- Mix until evenly combined.
Step 4: Moisten the Stuffing
- Toss the stuffing mixture with the hot water until evenly moistened.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Spoon the stuffing into a 1½-quart baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until thoroughly heated and lightly browned on top.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve warm with chicken, pork, fish, or turkey.
Tips
- Use Golden Delicious apples for a mellow sweetness or Red Delicious for a slightly sweeter stuffing.
- Leave the peel on the apples for extra color and texture, or peel them for a softer finished stuffing.
- For a moister stuffing, gradually add a little additional hot water or broth.
- Substitute chicken or turkey broth for the hot water for a richer savory flavor.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Fresh sage and thyme can be substituted for dried herbs; use roughly three times the amount.
- For crispier edges, spread the stuffing in a slightly larger, shallower baking dish.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake shortly before serving.
- This stuffing pairs particularly well with roast turkey, chicken, or pork.
- For Thanksgiving, garnish the finished dish with a little fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 590mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.2mg