Jamie Oliver Apricot Stuffing Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing is a festive, flavorful twist on classic stuffing, combining the richness of sausage meat with the sweetness of dried apricots. It’s the perfect side dish for roast dinners, especially during the holidays. The blend of herbs, fruit, and savory meat creates a moist and aromatic stuffing that complements turkey, chicken, or mutton beautifully.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing?

This recipe combines crumbled bread, quality sausage meat, chopped dried apricots, and fresh herbs like sage or thyme, all bound together with onion and egg. It’s baked separately or rolled into balls for a crispy exterior and tender center. Jamie’s version focuses on balance and bold flavor, with natural sweetness from the fruit.

Other Popular Recipes

• Delia Smith Apple Crumble with Oats
• Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble
• Jamie Oliver Ratatouille

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Great for Holidays or Sunday Roasts – A festive upgrade to traditional stuffing.
• Sweet and Savory – Dried apricots add a fruity contrast to the savory meat.
• Versatile Cooking Options – Can be baked in a dish or as stuffing balls.
• Perfect for Poultry – Pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, chicken, or duck.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the day before and bake fresh.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing

• Sausage Meat (500g / 1.1 lbs, or use sausages with skins removed)
• Dried Apricots (100g / ¾ cup, finely chopped)
• Breadcrumbs (100g / 1½ cups, from stale bread)
• Red Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Fresh Sage or Thyme (1 tbsp, finely chopped)
• Garlic (1 clove, minced)
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Zest of 1 orange for added brightness

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan
• Baking tray or ovenproof dish
• Spoon or hands for shaping
• Oven preheated to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, until soft and translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and herbs, cooking for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the stuffing

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, chopped apricots, and the cooked onion mixture.
• Add the beaten egg, season with salt and pepper, and mix well with your hands until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape and bake

Option 1 – Bake in a dish:

• Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Option 2 – Make stuffing balls:

• Roll into golf ball-sized portions and place on a baking tray.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once for even browning.

Step 4: Rest and serve

• Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be sliced or spooned as a side dish or served alongside roast meat.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing

• Roast Turkey or Chicken – Perfect pairing for holiday dinners.
• Gravy or Pan Juices – Pour over the stuffing for added richness.
• Cranberry Sauce – The sweet-tart flavor complements the apricots.
• Roast Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes work beautifully.
• Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts – For a well-balanced plate.

Expert Tips for the Best Apricot Stuffing

• Use quality sausage meat – Good seasoning makes a big difference.
• Chop apricots finely – This distributes their sweetness evenly.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep it light.
• Add orange zest – A citrus note enhances the apricot flavor.
• Cook onion mixture first – This brings out a sweeter, more mellow taste.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing

• Add Chopped Chestnuts – For a festive, nutty crunch.
• Use Leeks Instead of Onion – A milder, sweeter base.
• Add Apple or Pear – Enhances the fruity profile.
• Make it Vegetarian – Swap sausage meat for cooked lentils or chestnut mushrooms.
• Use Gluten-Free Bread – For a coeliac-friendly option.

Best Practices to Store Apricot Stuffing

• Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Thoroughly – In oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot through.
• Freeze for Later – Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 1 month.
• Label and Date – Helpful if making in bulk ahead of holidays.

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~260
• Protein: ~11g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fat: ~16g
• Fibre: ~2g

FAQs

Can I make Jamie Oliver’s apricot stuffing ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and refrigerate the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. You can also freeze it before baking—just defrost fully before cooking.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Dried apricots are preferred because they offer a concentrated sweetness and firmer texture. Fresh apricots may release too much liquid during baking and make the stuffing soggy.

Can I make this stuffing without sausage meat?

Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and breadcrumbs, or use plant-based sausage alternatives.

What’s the best way to reheat apricot stuffing?

Place it in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, then reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Stuffing balls can be reheated uncovered to keep them crispy.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Apricot Stuffing delivers the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday roast, this stuffing adds a beautiful twist to your table that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

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