5 Delicious Applesauce Stuffing Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to versatile ingredients that can elevate your cooking, applesauce is a hidden gem. Its mild sweetness, creamy texture, and nutritional benefits make it a perfect addition to many dishes, including stuffing. Here are five delightful applesauce stuffing recipes that will not only surprise your taste buds but also ensure your meals are memorable.

1. Classic Applesauce and Sausage Stuffing

Combining the rich flavors of sausage with the subtle sweetness of applesauce creates an unforgettable stuffing. Here's how to make this savory delight:

• 1 lb of pork sausage
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 6 cups of day-old bread cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until translucent.
3. Mix the bread cubes, sausage, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Add applesauce to bind the mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden.

🍎 Note: For a lighter version, substitute half the sausage with mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

2. Apple and Chestnut Stuffing

This luxurious stuffing incorporates the earthy flavors of chestnuts with applesauce for a sophisticated side dish.

Instructions:

• Sauté onions in butter until soft, add fennel seed and cayenne.
• Chop chestnuts roughly, combine with bread crumbs and onions.
• Mix in applesauce to moisten the mixture.
• Season and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until the top is crispy.

3. Gluten-Free Applesauce and Quinoa Stuffing

For those looking to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste, this recipe offers a delicious gluten-free alternative:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup of diced apples
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
• 2 tbsp of fresh sage, chopped

Steps:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth, fluff with a fork and cool.
2. Stir in applesauce, diced apples, cranberries, walnuts, and sage.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes more until slightly crispy on top.

🌰 Note: Quinoa adds a delightful nutty flavor and protein content, making this stuffing both tasty and nutritious.

4. Vegan Applesauce and Mushroom Stuffing

Vegan guests will appreciate this savory, hearty stuffing:

• 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 6 cups of vegan bread cubes
• 2 leeks, white part only, sliced
• 3 tbsp of vegan butter
• 1 tbsp of soy sauce or tamari
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Method:

1. Sauté mushrooms and leeks in vegan butter until browned.
2. Add garlic, cook for another minute.
3. In a bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, applesauce, and soy sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, until the stuffing is golden.

5. Sweet and Savory Applesauce and Cranberry Stuffing

For a festive, tangy touch, this stuffing balances sweet and tart flavors:

• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 6 cups of bread cubes
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup of orange juice
• 1 tbsp of brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of olive oil

Process:

• Toss bread cubes with olive oil, cranberries, pecans, and orange juice.
• Add applesauce, sugar, and mix well.
• Season, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

These recipes showcase the versatile nature of applesauce, providing options for different dietary needs while enhancing the flavor profile of your stuffing. Incorporating applesauce not only adds moisture and sweetness but also introduces a nutritional boost with its high fiber content and antioxidants. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and surprise your guests with innovative, mouth-watering stuffings that bring out the best in every meal!

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

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Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you’ll need to adjust the sweetness of the recipe accordingly by reducing or omitting additional sweeteners like sugar.

How do I store leftover stuffing?

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Refrigerate leftover stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it, but thaw and reheat thoroughly before consuming.

What can I substitute for bread cubes in stuffing?

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You can use gluten-free bread, cornbread, or even cooked wild rice for a unique twist. Adjust the amount of moisture from the applesauce accordingly.