While this is a fairly standard bread-style dressing, the addition of the sautéed apples really makes it something special. Not only does it add another layer of flavor, but also makes for a more nutritious dish. Apples and fresh sage are a natural pairing that go well with almost any roasted meat or poultry.
Serve 10 Portions of Apple Cider and Sage Dressing
Serve 10 Portions of Apple Cider and Sage Dressing
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 cup chicken stock or broth
- 8 cups cubed stuffing mix, or plain croutons (or stale bread dried in the oven)
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped fine
- 2 apples, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (any firm cooking apples will work such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter for greasing the baking dish
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large saucepan, on medium-heat, sauté the onions and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until they are translucent. Add the garlic and dried rosemary and cook for about 2 minutes. Do not brown the garlic. Add the apple cider and chicken broth, bring to a simmer and turn off heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the stuffing mix, the sage, and pour over the hot cider mixture. Mix with a spatula to combine.
- Wipe out the saucepan with a paper towel, and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over high-heat until the butter foams and begins to turn tan, add the apples and sauté until the edges slightly caramelize, about 3 minutes.
- Add apples to the mixing bowl and stir in until combined. Grease a glass or ceramic baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and spoon in the dressing. Spread evenly and bake at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.