Bourbon Pecan Stuffing with Apples

Ingredients You'll Need

This homemade Apple Pecan Stuffing combines everyday ingredients with a few special additions that make it into something extraordinary. The combination of sourdough bread, fresh apples, crunchy pecans, and bourbon creates a stuffing that's bursting with flavor and perfect for the holidays.

• Sourdough bread: The hearty texture and slightly tangy flavor of sourdough make it a great choice for stuffing. It holds up beautifully to the broth without becoming too mushy.
• Butter: Adds richness and that delicious buttery flavor every good homemade stuffing needs. It also helps soften the onions.
• Onion: Provides a savory, slightly sweet flavor that forms the foundation of the stuffing.
• Celery: Adds a mild, fresh flavor and a little texture that complements the other ingredients.
• Poultry seasoning: A classic blend of herbs, usually including sage, thyme, and rosemary, that gives stuffing its traditional flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Apples: Add little bursts of natural sweetness and moisture that pair beautifully with the savory herbs and bourbon. Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work especially well.
• Pecans: Add a delicious buttery, nutty flavor and a wonderful crunch that makes every bite more interesting.
• Bourbon: The secret ingredient! It adds a warm, slightly caramel-like flavor that complements the apples and pecans without overpowering the stuffing.
• Chicken broth: Moistens the toasted bread and brings everything together while adding a little extra savory flavor.

How to Make Bourbon Pecan Stuffing

Making sourdough stuffing doesn't have to be complicated! This easy Thanksgiving stuffing comes together with a few simple steps, and using the microwave to soften the vegetables saves time and makes holiday cooking a little easier. Once everything is tossed together, the oven does the rest, baking it into a moist, flavorful stuffing with a lightly golden top.

1. Use stale bread or bake fresh bread slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Cube bread. Raise temperature of oven to 350°F.
2. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
3. Microwave onion with butter in a covered 4-cup measuring cup for 4 minutes at 90% power.
4. Add to bread cubes.
5. Microwave celery, with enough water to cover, in the same 4-cup measuring cup, covered, for 4 minutes at 90% power. Strain and add to bread cubes.
6. Add seasonings, apples and pecans to bread cubes. Stir well.

7. Add bourbon and toss stuffing.
8. Slowly add chicken broth until the bread is moist but not drenched. You may need just some of the broth or all of it, depending on your bread.
9. Toss to coat everything.
10. Pour into a buttered 13x9-inch baking dish.

11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes or until the top gets a little toasty. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips for Success

Want to make sure your stuffing turns out perfectly every time? These simple tips will help you get the best flavor and texture.

• Start with dry, toasted bread. Fresh, soft bread can turn mushy when the broth is added. Toasting the bread first helps it hold its shape and absorb the flavorful liquid.
• Cut the bread into even cubes, approximately ¾-inch to 1-inch cubes, so they absorb the broth evenly and bake at the same rate.
• Choose firm apples. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Toast the pecans for extra flavor. For a deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the stuffing.
• Add the broth gradually. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy. Start with a little broth, toss gently, and add more as needed.
• Don't overmix. Gently toss the ingredients together to keep the bread cubes from breaking apart.
• Bake covered, then uncovered. Covering the dish for the first 30 minutes keeps the stuffing moist, while uncovering it for the last 10 minutes helps create a lightly crisp, golden top.
• Use a large enough baking dish. Give the stuffing room to bake evenly rather than packing it tightly into a small dish. A 9x13-inch baking dish is a good starting point, depending on the size of your bread loaf.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about homemade stuffing is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to add a little extra sweetness, make it heartier, or switch up the flavors, there are plenty of delicious ways to make this Bourbon Pecan Stuffing your own.

• Swap Apples for Pears. Replace the apples with firm, ripe pears for a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the bourbon and pecans.
• Add Some Sausage or Bacon. Stir in cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage, mild Italian sausage, or bacon for a heartier stuffing with an extra savory kick.
• Give It a Cranberry Twist. Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for little bursts of tart sweetness and a festive pop of color.
• Make It Extra Herby. Add fresh chopped sage, thyme, or rosemary for an even more aromatic, traditional holiday stuffing.
• Switch Up the Nuts. Try chopped walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor and crunch.
• Add a Touch of Maple. Stir in a tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a hint of sweetness that complements the bourbon, apples, and pecans.
• Make It Without Bourbon. Replace the bourbon with additional chicken broth or apple cider for a family-friendly version with plenty of flavor.
• Try a Different Bread. Swap sourdough for French bread, Italian bread, or a rustic country loaf. Cornbread is another delicious option, although it will give the stuffing a softer, more crumbly texture.

What to Serve with Your Thanksgiving Stuffing

This apple pecan stuffing is a natural addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but it's just as delicious alongside a cozy family meal. Its sweet and savory flavors pair beautifully with roasted meats, creamy potatoes, and classic holiday vegetables.

• Roasted Turkey: You can't go wrong with the classic Thanksgiving combination of juicy turkey, homemade gravy, and flavorful stuffing. It's a holiday tradition for a reason!
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast: Perfect for a smaller holiday gathering when you want all the traditional flavors without roasting a whole turkey.
• Glazed Ham: The sweetness of a holiday ham pairs beautifully with the bourbon, apples, and pecans.
• Roast Chicken: Turn an ordinary Sunday chicken dinner into something special with a generous serving of homemade stuffing.
• Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes: Because what's a holiday dinner without buttery mashed potatoes and plenty of gravy?
• Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday favorite that rounds out the meal with a creamy, savory vegetable side.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly earthy flavor and crisp edges make a delicious contrast to the sweet apples and buttery stuffing.

And don't forget a generous drizzle of homemade turkey gravy over the top!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, this stuffing is just as delicious the next day!

Refrigerator: Allow the stuffing to cool promptly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Place cooled, baked stuffing in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating in the oven: Place the stuffing in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through to 165°F. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the top.

Reheating in the microwave: Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth, and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals until hot throughout, reaching 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bourbon Pecan Stuffing

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

If you're planning your holiday menu, you'll love these other delicious side dishes from 2CookinMamas!

Pumpkin Risotto: A creamy, comforting fall side dish filled with sweet pumpkin, earthy mushrooms, and savory Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich, buttery, and perfectly creamy mashed potatoes that belong on every Thanksgiving table.

Turkey Gravy: The perfect finishing touch for your turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade stuffing.

Find more delicious Thanksgiving dishes from mains to sides to desserts on 2CM.