sausage apple and cranberry stuffing recipe

The Best sausage apple and cranberry stuffing recipe

I love making sausage apple and cranberry stuffing recipe for my family gatherings. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries is a match made in heaven.

I remember trying it for the first time at a Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt’s house, and I was hooked from the very first bite. Since then, it’s been a staple in our household, especially during the holidays. My kids adore it, and I love that it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully.

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy compared to some other stuffing options. The sausage provides a good source of protein, while the apples and cranberries add fiber and antioxidants. Plus, you can adjust the amount of sausage to suit your taste, making it a great option for those looking for a lower-fat alternative.

When it comes to technique, the key to making a great sausage apple and cranberry stuffing is to not overmix the ingredients. You want to maintain a bit of texture from the sausage and bread so that each bite is interesting and varied. I like to use a combination of white and whole wheat bread to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or just a regular Sunday dinner.

Sausage Apple and Cranberry Stuffing

4.8 from 1641 votes

This sausage apple and cranberry stuffing is a delightful blend of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries. It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or a hearty main course.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
2 apples, diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cups bread cubes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
5In the same skillet, add onion and celery.
6Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7Add apples and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
8Stir in thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
9Add bread cubes to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage mixture.
10Pour in chicken broth and stir until the bread is evenly moistened.
11Add the cooked sausage and cranberries.
Mix well.
12Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
13Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
14Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier stuffing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add chopped nuts for extra crunch.

This sausage apple and cranberry stuffing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal solution.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is; you can serve it as a side dish or even use it as a main course by serving it with some crusty bread or over rice.

When storing leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it – this will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Apple and Cranberry Stuffing

Q: What type of sausage should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using sweet Italian sausage or breakfast sausage with sage. Both options will give you a delicious flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?

A: Either option works well! If using fresh cranberries, be sure to thaw them before adding them to the mixture. If using frozen cranberries, simply thaw them according to package instructions.

Q: How long can I store this stuffing in the refrigerator?

A: This stuffing will keep safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If you won’t be serving it within that timeframe, consider freezing it instead.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free bread for traditional bread and be sure to check the ingredients of your sausage choice as well.

Q: What if I don’t have apples on hand?

A: You can substitute diced pears or chopped dried apricots if you don’t have apples available.

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