I’ve been making this stuffing with apples and sausage recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how it combines the savory flavor of sausage with the sweetness of apples, all wrapped up in a delicious bread mixture.
My kids adore helping me mix everything together, and they always get excited when they see the finished product coming out of the oven. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also great for a weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just chop up some onions, celery, and apples, cook up some sausage, and then mix everything together with some bread and spices. The end result is a tasty and satisfying side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
I like to serve this stuffing hot, topped with a bit of gravy or broth to bring out all the flavors. It’s also great cold, if you want to make it ahead of time – just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
Stuffing with Apples and Sausage
4.6 from 1864 votes
A savory and slightly sweet stuffing made with Italian sausage, tart apples, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for holiday dinners or as a hearty side dish.
2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups cubed day-old bread (about 1-inch cubes)
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Transfer the cooked sausage to a large bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
4Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
5Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Add the diced apples, garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
7Pour the apple mixture into the bowl with the sausage.
8Add the bread cubes and parsley and toss gently to combine.
9In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten egg, then pour over the bread mixture and stir until all the bread is evenly moistened.
10Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
11Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
13Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
15The stuffing should be moist inside with a crisp, golden crust on top.
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for extra texture. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy.
Watch Video Of How Stuffing with Apples and Sausage Works
This stuffing with apples and sausage recipe is one of my go-to dishes for any occasion – whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a casual family gathering on a Sunday night.
It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes beautifully if you need to save some for later.
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffing with Apples and Sausage
What type of sausage should I use in this recipe?
You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage for this recipe – both will give you great results. If you prefer a milder flavor, go with sweet sausage. If you like a little heat, use hot Italian sausage instead.
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this stuffing ahead of time – just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months if you want to make it ahead of time.
How do I keep my stuffing moist?
The key to keeping your stuffing moist is to not overmix the bread mixture when you’re combining all the ingredients together. If you mix it too much, the bread will start to break down and your stuffing will end up dry. Also, be sure to use enough broth or water when mixing everything together – this will help keep everything moist as it bakes.
Can I use different types of bread in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of bread in this recipe – just be sure to choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up well when mixed with all the other ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to use a bread that’s at least 2 days old – this will help prevent it from becoming too crumbly when you mix it with everything else.
How do I store leftover stuffing?
You can store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating leftover stuffing, be sure to add a bit more broth or water if necessary – this will help keep everything moist.
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