Apple Sausage Stuffing is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together the savory flavors of sausage with the sweet and tart notes of apples. Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner or as a perfect side for any cozy family meal, this stuffing recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at your dinner table!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Apple Sausage Stuffing
- How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Tips for Making Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Reheating Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Apple Sausage Stuffing related recipes next!
- Savory Bread Pudding
- Homemade Cornbread Stuffing
- Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Classic Stuffing with Sage
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion. This stuffing combines sweet apples, savory sausage, and fragrant herbs, creating a delightful balance that will please your taste buds and turn heads during dinner!
- Easy to Prepare. With straightforward steps, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time — making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings!
- Versatile Dish. Serve this stuffing as a side or use it to stuff your turkey for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Apple Sausage Stuffing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian Sausage: Provides a savory base. Use mild or spicy according to preference.
- Apples: Adds sweetness and texture — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
- Celery and Onion: These aromatics add depth of flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme lend an aromatic quality and the traditional stuffing flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Moistens the stuffing and infuses more flavor.
- Bread Cubes: The base for your stuffing; use stale bread or a mixture of baguettes and sourdough for rich texture.
How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced apples, herbs, and seasonings, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, sautéed mixture, and bread cubes. Pour in vegetable broth gradually, mixing well until moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp on top.
Tips for Making Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful texture contrast.
- Toast Bread Cubes: Toasting the cubes before adding them to the stuffing mixture enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
- Experiment with Apples: Try different varieties of apples to discover your favorite combination.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing a day in advance, covering it tightly with foil and refrigerate.
- On the day of serving, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Make ahead and freeze the uncooked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and adjust baking time as needed.
Reheating Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick warming option.
- For larger portions, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sausage?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or store-bought sausage can save time and is perfectly valid in this recipe.
Can this stuffing recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, using extra vegetables for flavor.
What kind of bread should I use?
Any bread works; however, sourdough and baguette provide great textural contrast.
Can I bake this stuffing in the turkey?
Yes, stuff inside the cavity of the turkey right before baking for flavorful, moist stuffing.
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding dried cranberries for a sweet-tart flavor or more herbs like rosemary for extra depth.
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Apple Sausage Stuffing: A Delicious Twist on Classic Stuffing!
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Apple Sausage Stuffing combines sweet apples and savory sausage for a comforting side dish perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage
- Apples
- Celery and Onion
- Herbs
- Vegetable Broth
- Bread Cubes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced apples, herbs, and seasonings, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, sautéed mixture, and bread cubes. Pour in vegetable broth gradually, mixing well until moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp on top.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch!
- Toast bread cubes for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Stuffing
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: stuffing, apple sausage, holiday recipes
