Apple, Celery, and Smoked Ham Stuffing

Apple, Celery, and Smoked Ham Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Tradition Reimagined

Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of warmth, family, and of course, a table laden with delicious food. For me, the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast has always been the turkey, but it's the side dishes that truly steal my heart. And this year, I'm sharing a recipe that’s become a new family favorite: my Apple, Celery, and Smoked Ham Stuffing.

I've always been a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Thanksgiving. My mom's stuffing recipe, a classic bread-based affair, was the gold standard in our family for years. But as my own tastes evolved, I found myself craving something a little different – something with more depth, a bit more sophistication, but still retaining that comforting familiarity that makes stuffing so special. This recipe was born from that desire.

The beauty of this stuffing lies in its balance. The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the savory notes of the smoked ham. The celery adds a welcome crunch, while the medley of fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and marjoram – provides a layer of aromatic complexity that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. And let's not forget the nutmeg, a subtle but essential spice that ties all the flavors together.

Making this stuffing is surprisingly simple, even for a busy weeknight (and believe me, Thanksgiving week is always busy!). You begin by toasting bread cubes until they're golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is essential, as it helps prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy. Then, it's just a matter of sautéing the celery, apples, and ham before combining everything with the toasted bread cubes, herbs, and a flavorful broth.

The addition of eggs to the broth creates a wonderfully moist and tender stuffing, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. And the secret to achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust? A generous amount of butter in the baking dish. Trust me on this one.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work particularly well – or substitute other types of cured ham. The herb combination is also easily customizable; feel free to swap in your favorites or leave out any that you’re not fond of.

This stuffing is not only delicious; it's also wonderfully adaptable. Make it ahead of time, store it separately covered and chilled, then pop it into the oven alongside the turkey. It simplifies your Thanksgiving prep. The result is a pan of golden, fragrant stuffing that will quickly become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition, just as it has become for mine. It's a flavor journey that will leave everyone at your table satisfied and wanting more.

So, this Thanksgiving, try something new. Step away from the ordinary and embrace the delightful surprise of this Apple, Celery, and Smoked Ham Stuffing. It's a dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season – a harmonious blend of familiar comfort and unexpected delight.

I hope this recipe brightens your Thanksgiving table, as it has mine. Happy Thanksgiving!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet until dry and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Place bread in a large bowl and cool.
• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add apples; sauté until tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add mixture to bread.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet. Add ham; sauté 5 minutes. Add ham to bread; mix in herbs and nutmeg.
• Add broth to the same skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Pour broth into a small bowl; cool. (Stuffing and broth can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill.)
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
• Beat eggs into broth; mix into stuffing. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish.
• Bake uncovered until cooked through and browned on top, about 35 minutes.