Sausage & Apple Stuffing: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Flavor Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing later.
- 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.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions and celery to the skillet with sausage; cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Apples: Stir in the diced apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften and release their sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture, ensuring the components are thoroughly combined.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring gently until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Season: Incorporate sage, thyme, salt, and pepper into the stuffing mixture, stirring well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- 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
