Leek & Apple Stuffing With Sage Brown Butter

by | Updated: November 21st, 2025

There’s something magical about the way apple and sage cozy up together, especially when brown butter joins the party. This sage-infused leek and apple stuffing delivers classic holiday comfort with a bright, modern twist. Tart apples, citrusy notes and sweet leeks turn every forkful into a little celebration, while golden sage brown butter makes the whole kitchen smell like you’ve been simmering tradition all afternoon. It’s plant-based, hearty, fragrant and destined to become “the one” your guests ask about before dessert even hits the table.

Sage Brown Butter & Apple Stuffing in Oven Pan on Granite Counter with Linen Kitchen Towel and Whole Apples

Sage Brown Butter & Apple Stuffing in Oven Pan on Granite Counter with Linen Kitchen Towel and Whole Apples
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Leek & Apple Stuffing With Sage Brown Butter

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10
Calories 235 kcal
Author Cathy Vogt

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9-1/2” x 9-1/2” oven-proof dish and set aside.
  2. In medium sauté pan over medium heat, melt buttery flavor coconut oil or plant-based butter. When butter starts to bubble slightly, add sage leaves, stir and cook 1-2 minutes until sage crisps up. Remove sage leaves to small plate and set aside. (Note: When butter begins to brown, stir often and be careful not to burn it.)
  3. Add leeks and celery to browned butter and sauté 1-2 minutes. Add apples and sauté an additional minute. Add thyme, salt and pepper.
  4. To pan with apple/vegetable mixture, add orange zest, orange juice and vegetable stock and bring to boil.
  5. In large bowl, combine stuffing mix and hazelnuts; Stir in prepped flax eggs.
  6. Pour apple/vegetable/stock mixture over stuffing, mix well to incorporate and fluff with fork.
  7. Into stuffing mixture, crumble in ¾ of reserved crispy sage leaves and mix in. (Note: Reserve a few leaves to top stuffing upon serving, if desired.)
  8. Add stuffing to greased pan, pushing gently to pack it evenly. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes.
  9. Uncover pan and bake additional 15-20 minutes until top is lightly browned.
  10. Serve warm or refrigerate and reheat as needed.

Recipe Notes

Note: Substitute stuffing mix with 8 cups of homemade toasted sourdough bread cubes, if desired.

Gather the goodies you need (and a few happy extras) at Vitacost.

Nutrition Facts
Leek & Apple Stuffing With Sage Brown Butter
Amount Per Serving
Calories 235 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 0.3mg0%
Sodium 691mg29%
Potassium 218mg6%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 348IU7%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Featured Products

Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Traditional Stuffing Mix
Bonafide No-Salt-Added Organic Vegetable Broth
Shiloh Farms Organic Hazelnuts