Vegan Walnut Apple Stuffing (with a pecan variation)

Don’t wait until holiday meals to enjoy this delectable stuffing, richly flavored with walnuts and pecans and tart apple. Vegan walnut apple stuffing, with an option swapping in pecans, has long been my favorite of this type of recipe.

Stuffing is a sturdy, everyday sort of side dish, though most of us forget about it other than as an add-on to holiday meals — though that may be what makes it special.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?  Not much, as it turns out, other than geography. You learn more about the history of the dish. Most, like this walnut apple stuffing, are made and served from a casserole dish (or in some cases, from a skillet) and aren’t used to stuff anything.

Swap in GF bread if need be: Like many if not most stuffings, this one is bread-based. If you need to make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite GF bread.

Recipe is adapted from Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.

Explore more …

• Vegan Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving and Beyond
• Potato, Apple, and Sauerkraut Stuffing
• Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Stuffing

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Yield: 8 to 10

Vegan Walnut Apple Stuffing (with a pecan variation)

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Don’t wait until holiday meals to enjoy this delectable stuffing, richly flavored with walnuts (or pecans) and sweet-tart apple. 

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups firmly packed diced whole grain bread
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 2 peeled, diced tart apples, such as Granny Smith
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning blend (like Mrs. Dash or Spike)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup apple juice, or as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F.
2. Place the diced bread on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until dry and lightly browned.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the red onion and sauté over medium heat until golden and softened. Add the apple and sauté for 5 minutes longer.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the onion and apple mixture. Add all the remaining ingredients except the apple juice and toss together. 
5. Sprinkle in the apple juice slowly, stirring at the same time to moisten the ingredients evenly. 
6. Transfer the mixture to an oiled shallow 1 1/2-quart baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and still slightly moist. Stir once during the baking time.
7. Remove from the oven and cover the casserole dish. Serve soon after baking, scooping out individual portions with a serving spoon.

See lots more cozy casseroles and skillets.