Sausage & Apple Stuffing: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Flavor Recipe

Introduction

This Sausage & Apple Stuffing brings together savory sausage and sweet apples for a delightful twist on a holiday classic. Packed with warm herbs and a tender texture, it’s sure to become a favorite side dish for family gatherings or special dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 8 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and mix everything together thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Add sage, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to distribute the herbs evenly.
8. Step 8: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish and cover it with foil.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly dried bread cubes for better texture; fresh bread can make the stuffing too dense.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just increase the quantity slightly for a more vibrant taste.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stuffing can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and add a nice balance of sweetness to the stuffing.

Sausage & Apple Stuffing: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Flavor Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

This classic Sausage & Apple Stuffing recipe combines savory sausage and aromatic herbs with the sweetness of diced apples for a perfectly balanced side dish. Baked to golden perfection, this stuffing is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound sausage

Produce

• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups celery, chopped

Bread & Broth

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing later.
2. Cook Sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions and celery to the skillet with sausage; cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Apples: Stir in the diced apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften and release their sweetness.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture, ensuring the components are thoroughly combined.
6. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring gently until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
7. Season: Incorporate sage, thyme, salt, and pepper into the stuffing mixture, stirring well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
8. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
9. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Notes

• For extra texture, use a mix of day-old white and whole wheat bread.
• To make ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it, then bake as directed before serving.
• For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste; fresh herbs can be used if available for more vibrant flavor.
• Ensure the apples are firm and tart for a balanced sweetness that complements the savory sausage.
• Covering the stuffing during the first part of baking keeps it moist, while uncovering at the end crisps the top.

Keywords: sausage stuffing, apple stuffing, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, savory apple stuffing