Apple-Raisin Dressing
A flavorful apple-raisin stuffing with tart apples, sweet raisins, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for holiday meals or family dinners requiring a moist, tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine apples, celery, sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine cubed raisin bread and poultry seasoning.
- Mix the beaten egg with chicken broth.
- Add the egg and broth mixture to the bread and seasonings.
- Pour the hot apple mixture over the bread mixture and toss with a fork to combine.
- Turn the mixture into a buttered 1 1/2-quart loaf pan or casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered in a moderate oven (350°F) for 35 minutes. For a crisper top, bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter dressing, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples. If you're out of raisin bread, challah or brioche can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, add chopped nuts or dried fruit. Adjust the poultry seasoning to your taste, and for a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple-Raisin Dressing pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as turkey or chicken, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It can also complement dishes like Mom'S Tater Tot Casserole for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple-Raisin Dressing contains roughly 1207 calories, with 28g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2517mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dressing even more delicious.
Is it possible to freeze Apple-Raisin Dressing?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dressing before baking. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While raisin bread gives a unique flavor, other breads like sourdough or whole wheat can work well. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the mixture together without becoming mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).