When it comes to holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, stuffing is always a crowd favorite. If you want to elevate the classic stuffing with a flavorful twist, look no further than this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe. Combining savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing is a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
In this article, you’ll find a complete, easy-to-follow recipe along with tips to make your stuffing moist, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, or just a special meal, this apple sausage stuffing will steal the show!
Why Choose Apple Sausage Stuffing?
Traditional stuffing is delicious, but adding apples and sausage creates a richer, more complex flavor profile. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Sweet and savory balance: The natural sweetness of fresh apples complements the spicy, savory sausage perfectly.
- Texture variety: The apples add a pleasant crunch, while the sausage adds heartiness.
- Aromatic herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary elevate the dish with classic stuffing aromas.
- Easy to customize: You can make it vegetarian by skipping the sausage or add nuts for crunch.
- Perfect for holiday meals: Pairs well with turkey, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients for Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Before you start, gather these fresh ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 10 cups, cubed) — French bread, sourdough, or white bread work well
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference), casings removed
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness
How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread works best because it’s slightly dry and will soak up the flavors without becoming mushy.
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Apples and Herbs
Add the diced apples to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples soften but still retain some crunch.
Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine.
Pour the sausage-apple mixture over the bread cubes. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Broth
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and chicken broth together.
Pour the mixture slowly over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently. The bread should absorb the liquid but not become soggy.
If using, fold in chopped nuts and dried cranberries at this point.
Step 6: Season and Bake
Season generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes to get a crispy golden top.
Tips for the Best Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can turn mushy. If you only have fresh bread, dry it in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Don’t over-soak: Add broth gradually. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
- Customize herbs: Feel free to experiment with parsley, marjoram, or other fresh herbs.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the stuffing a day before and refrigerate it, then bake on the day of serving.
- Add texture: Nuts or dried fruit add extra interest to the dish.
- For a vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
Serving Suggestions for Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe
This stuffing pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Pork chops or pork tenderloin
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables
For a classic holiday meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Sausage Stuffing
Q: Can I freeze apple sausage stuffing?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffing, bake it partially, cool it, and freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I use gluten-free bread?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the stuffing.
Q: How do I make the stuffing moister?
A: Add extra broth a little at a time before baking. Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe without eggs?
A: Eggs help bind the stuffing, but you can substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or omit them entirely, though the texture will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe is a delightful upgrade from traditional stuffing, bursting with flavor, texture, and aromas that will make any meal special. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, it’s the perfect side dish for family dinners and holiday celebrations.
