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Cornbread Stuffing with Fresh and Dried Fruit

Buttermilk-enriched cornbread combines with onions, apples, dried apricots, and prunes in this simple and versatile Thanksgiving stuffing. While prep is fairly minimal, take note: You’ll need to dry the bread overnight, so be sure to start this recipe the day before. And if you’d like to offer a vegetarian-friendly option, swap a high-quality vegetable stock for the chicken broth.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 servings

Ingredients

Buttery Cornbread (recipe follows)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups chopped onions
4 cups chopped unpeeled McIntosh or Golden Delicious apples (about 2 large)
2 cups chopped celery with leaves
24 pitted prunes, diced (about 10 ounces)
12 dried apricot halves, diced (about 2 ounces)
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons kosher or other coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut the bread lengthwise into 1-inch-wide slices. Place on a baking sheet; cover with a kitchen towel and let dry overnight. Cut the bread slices into 1-inch cubes.

    Step 2

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish. Melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the apples and celery; sauté until celery begins to soften, about 10 minutes. Scrape the contents of the skillet into a very large bowl. Add the prunes, apricots, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and thyme; toss. Add the dried bread cubes and toss until evenly combined. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared dish. Pour the broth evenly over.

    Step 3

    Bake the stuffing uncovered until heated through and the top begins to form a crust, about 40 minutes.

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