SAUSAGE APPLE STUFFING PERFECT

Tired of the same old, bland stuffing? Imagine a symphony of savory sausage, sweet apples, and perfectly seasoned bread, all baked to golden perfection! This Sausage Apple Stuffing recipe is about to become your new holiday favorite, guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its incredible flavor and texture. Let’s get started and make some magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Sausage & Apple Mixture:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Bread Base:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) stale bread (such as sourdough or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg, beaten

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Let’s Talk Bread: The Foundation of Great Stuffing

Okay, let’s dive into the bread – the unsung hero of stuffing! I cannot stress enough the importance of using *stale* bread. Fresh bread will just turn to mush, and nobody wants mushy stuffing. Trust me, I’ve been there! I like to buy my bread a few days in advance and let it sit out, uncovered. If you’re short on time, you can cube the bread and toast it lightly in a low oven (around 200°F) for about an hour, tossing occasionally. This dries it out perfectly.

Sourdough or French bread are my go-to choices, but you can experiment with other types too. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that can hold up to the moisture from the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Sausage and Apples

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This is crucial for preventing a greasy final product.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Apples and Seasonings: Stir in the apples, parsley, sage, thyme, and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened. The aroma at this point is simply divine!
4. Set Aside: Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the Stuffing

1. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten egg.
3. Pour Over Bread: Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
4. Combine Everything: Add the sausage and apple mixture to the bread mixture and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing dense.
5. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, stir in the dried cranberries and pecans or walnuts.

Baking the Stuffing

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Transfer to Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
5. Let Rest: Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Troubleshooting & Tips for Perfect Stuffing

Stuffing can be a bit tricky, so let’s address some common issues:

• Dry Stuffing: If your stuffing is dry, add a little more chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Mushy Stuffing: If your stuffing is mushy, it’s likely because the bread wasn’t stale enough. Next time, make sure to use truly stale bread or toast it in the oven beforehand.
• Bland Stuffing: Don’t be afraid to season generously! Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, use a combination of sweet and savory sausage. And don’t skimp on the apples! They add a wonderful sweetness and texture that really elevates the stuffing.

Variations & Creative Twists

Want to put your own spin on this Sausage Apple Stuffing? Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Types of Sausage: Try using chorizo for a spicy kick, or maple sausage for a sweeter flavor.
• Add Different Fruits: Pears, cranberries, or dried apricots would all be delicious additions.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Mushrooms, carrots, or butternut squash would add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free sausage.
• Cook it in the Bird: While I prefer baking it separately for even cooking, you can stuff it into your turkey. Just make sure the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

This Sausage Apple Stuffing is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. It’s also delicious served alongside Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe and a vibrant salad.

You could even use leftovers to create amazing day-after sandwiches! Just pile the stuffing onto some toasted bread with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce – yum!

Beyond Stuffing: Other Delicious Sausage Recipes

If you’re a sausage lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes:

• Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies: A quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice: Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Thanksgiving Family Holiday Meals: Discover even more recipes to make your holiday unforgettable.

Making Ahead & Storage

Making Ahead:

You can assemble the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the stuffing as directed, transfer it to the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Storage:

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

You can also freeze leftover stuffing for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts: Your Stuffing Success Awaits!

With this recipe and these tips, you’re well on your way to creating the most delicious Sausage Apple Stuffing your family has ever tasted. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Sausage Apple Stuffing Perfect

This Sausage Apple Stuffing recipe combines savory sausage, sweet apples, and perfectly seasoned bread for a delightful holiday side dish. Baked to golden perfection, it’s guaranteed to impress with its incredible flavor and texture, making it a new family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries optional
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• large skillet
• Large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the apples, parsley, sage, thyme, and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
7. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes.
8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten egg.
9. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
10. Add the sausage and apple mixture to the bread mixture and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
11. If using, stir in the dried cranberries and pecans or walnuts.
12. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish.
13. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
14. Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a combination of sweet and savory sausage. Don’t be afraid to season generously, tasting the stuffing mixture before baking and adjusting as needed. To prevent mushy stuffing, ensure the bread is truly stale or toast it in a low oven beforehand. Stuffing can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and sausage.