If fall had an official scent, I swear it would be onions sizzling in butter, apples softening in sage and thyme, and warm sourdough cubes soaking up the most delicious savory broth. This Apple–Chestnut Stuffing is one of those dishes that walks into a room and announces, “Yes, Thanksgiving has officially begun.”
Whether you’re hosting dinner this year or simply bringing a dish to impress the in-laws, this stuffing checks every delicious box: comforting, flavorful, a little sweet, beautifully savory, and loaded with textures that keep every bite interesting. And best of all? It uses simple, easy ingredients — elevated with a few pantry staples from Watkins, my go-to for high-quality spices and flavor boosters.
This isn’t the mushy, bland stuffing you grew up avoiding. This stuffing has personality. It has charm. It has layers. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “Wait, who made this?”
And you can proudly say: me… and Watkins.
Let’s dive in.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Apple–Chestnut Stuffing
There are a million stuffing recipes out there, but this one is special — and here’s why:
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The apples add the perfect hint of sweetness without turning the dish into dessert. Think warm, slightly caramelized bites that brighten Everything.
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Chestnuts bring the cozy factor, adding that soft, nutty, almost creamy texture you didn’t know stuffing was missing.
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Fresh sage and thyme make the whole kitchen smell like Thanksgiving in the best possible way.
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Sourdough bread holds up beautifully, absorbing all that flavor without collapsing into mush.
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Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper, and Chicken Soup & Gravy Base bring Everything together with depth, richness, and premium flavor.
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It’s easy to prep ahead, perfect for busy holiday cooking.
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And yes — people will want seconds.
This is one of those holiday recipes that earns a permanent spot on your Thanksgiving table. You’ll see.
⭐ Watkins Spotlight: The Flavor Foundation
You know I’m a Watkins girl through and through — their products seriously transform everyday recipes into wow moments. And in this stuffing, the Watkins pantry lineup shines:
🧂 Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
Clean, bright, high-quality salt that enhances every ingredient rather than overpowering them.
🌶️ Watkins Organic Pure Ground Black Pepper
Warm, earthy, aromatic — you can taste the difference instantly.
🍗 Watkins Chicken Soup & Gravy Base
This is the secret weapon. Instead of boxed broth or stock, this mix creates a rich, savory base that soaks into the sourdough beautifully.
It’s fast, flavorful, and so much better than anything from a can.
👉 Order your Watkins products here.
⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need
Bread & Produce
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2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing
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1 small loaf sourdough bread (about 1 lb.), cut into ¾-inch cubes
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2 Tbsp unsalted butter
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2 large onions, chopped
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3 stalks of celery, sliced ¼ inch thick
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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2 crisp red apples (Braeburn or Gala), cored and chopped into ½-inch pieces
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1 bag (5.2 oz.) roasted chestnuts, chopped
Herbs & Seasonings
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¼ cup sage leaves, chopped
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2 tsp thyme leaves
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Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
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Watkins Organic Pure Ground Black Pepper
Broth & Eggs
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Watkins Chicken Soup & Gravy Base
(Soup Base Ratio: 1.5 tsp mix per 1 cup boiling water) -
3 large eggs, beaten
⭐ How to Make Apple–Chestnut Stuffing (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the full breakdown — easy, clear, and totally doable even if you’re juggling ten other dishes in the kitchen (because… holidays).
🔥 Step 1: Dry the Bread
Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Spread your sourdough cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for 20–25 minutes until they’re dry and slightly golden. You’re not looking for croutons — just enough structure so the bread absorbs all that flavorful broth later.
Pro Tip:
If you have day-old bread lying around, use it! It dries perfectly and helps prevent soggy stuffing.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic, then cook until Everything is soft, fragrant, and lightly golden.
Season with Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt and Pure Ground Black Pepper as you go — this builds flavor right from the start.
Kitchen moment:
Your kitchen is going to start smelling so good that someone in your house will wander in asking what you’re making. This is your cue to smile and say, “The best stuffing ever.”
🍎 Step 3: Add Apples + Herbs
Stir in the chopped apples, sage, and thyme. Let the apples cook lightly until they soften just a bit — not mushy, just tender around the edges.
This is where the recipe really becomes Thanksgiving. The herbs bloom, the apples sweeten, and the whole skillet turns into a cozy holiday moment.
🌰 Step 4: Combine Everything
In a huge bowl (bigger than you think you’ll need… stuffing is fluffy!), add:
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Toasted bread cubes
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The sautéed apple-herb mixture
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Chopped roasted chestnuts
Toss gently. The bread will start soaking in all that buttery, herby goodness — and it’s gorgeous already.
🍗 Step 5: Make the Broth
Bring water to a boil and mix in Watkins Chicken Soup & Gravy Base using the ratio on the package:
1.5 tsp per 1 cup of water.
Pour this rich, aromatic broth over the stuffing mixture. Then pour in your beaten eggs.
Use a large spoon to mix Everything gently until the bread is evenly moistened.
If some pieces seem dry, don’t panic — the bread will continue soaking as it bakes.
🔔 Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake at 350°F for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly crisp and golden.
If you love a super crispy top, broil the stuffing for the last 1–2 minutes. Just oversee it — broilers love to betray us.
Optional elevated touch:
Brush the top with a little melted butter before baking for extra richness.
⭐ Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations
Now that you know the basics, here are a few fun ways to customize it:
✔️ Make-Ahead Magic
Assemble Everything the night before (minus the broth and eggs).
Add them the next day before baking. Perfect for holiday sanity.
✔️ Crispier Top Hack
Bake uncovered the whole time.
For extra crunch, broil at the end.
✔️ Add Sausage
Brown ½ lb. Italian or breakfast sausage, and mix it in with the veggies.
✔️ Gluten-Free Version
Use your favorite gluten-free loaf — the method stays the same.
✔️ Flavor Boost
Add a splash of apple cider to the Watkins broth.
Trust me…It’s lovely.
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
This stuffing succeeds because it balances flavors and textures:
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Sweet apples + savory herbs create a beautiful contrast.
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Roasted chestnuts add softness and nutty richness.
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Sourdough holds structure while soaking up flavor.
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Watkins broth base ties Everything together with deep, savory goodness.
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Fresh herbs keep the dish bright instead of heavy.
Every bite gives you something a little different — soft, crunchy, sweet, earthy, buttery, herby. That’s what makes a holiday stuffing unforgettable.
⭐ What to Serve with Apple–Chestnut Stuffing
This stuffing pairs with just about Everything on your Thanksgiving table:
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Roasted or brined turkey
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Glazed ham
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Air fryer chicken
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Herb-crusted pork loin
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Mashed potatoes and gravy
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Green beans
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Baked mac and cheese
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Or even a simple salad if you want something lighter
And if you’re hosting a smaller gathering? This stuffing works beautifully with a roasted turkey breast or even a rotisserie chicken.
⭐ Save, Share & Shop
Before you wrap up your holiday prep, don’t forget:
Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can find it again next year.
Share it with the friend in your group who always brings the stuffing — they will thank you.
And keep an eye out for my upcoming Watkins Recipe eBook, packed with cozy, flavorful dishes that pair perfectly with your holiday table.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Apple–Chestnut Stuffing feels like a warm hug on a fabulous fall day — comforting, aromatic, and absolutely bursting with flavor. It uses ingredients that are elevated but straightforward, familiar yet exciting, cozy yet still special enough for your holiday table.
Whether you’re serving a whole crowd or enjoying a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner, this dish brings heartwarming flavor and classic fall vibes in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then immediately add to your “every Thanksgiving, no exceptions” list.
And honestly?
That’s the best kind of holiday recipe.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
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