Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe

Spice Up Thanksgiving with this Delicious Sausage & Apple Stuffing

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, the incredible food! But sometimes, the same old recipes can feel a little… well, old. That’s why this year, I’m shaking things up with a recipe that’s both classic and exciting: Sausage & Apple Stuffing. This isn’t your grandmother’s stuffing (unless your grandmother is a culinary genius!). Savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs combine to create a flavorful side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to be a star of your thanksgiving dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage & Apple Stuffing

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sausage and sweet apples is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks; no complicated techniques required!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love the delicious flavors in this stuffing.
• Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish: A must-have to complete your perfect thanksgiving meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

Ingredients for Sausage & Apple Stuffing

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old bread, cubed (French or Italian bread works well)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional, for added sweetness)

Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add other fruits like pears or cranberries for different flavor profiles

How to Make Sausage & Apple Stuffing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Vegetables and Apples: Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the diced apples and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cranberries (if using).
5. Moisten the Stuffing: Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the bread mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Do not over-saturate.
6. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
7. Let it Rest: Let the Sausage & Apple Stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. this keeps it from crumbling apart.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough baking dish so the stuffing cooks evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the center may not cook through.
• Toast Your Bread: Toasting the bread is a crucial step to prevent soggy stuffing.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste the stuffing and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.

Variations: To make this recipe vegan, use plant based crumbles instead of sausage and use vegan butter. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and ensure the sausage is also gluten-free. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or butternut squash for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage & Apple Stuffing is the perfect complement to a traditional thanksgiving turkey! Here are a few other side dishes that pair well:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: A simple and delicious vegetable side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting classic.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart flavors of cranberry sauce perfectly complement the savory stuffing.
• Green Bean Casserole: Another classic Thanksgiving side dish.

Storage & Reheating

To Store: Leftover Sausage & Apple Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil last 5 mins to brown the top. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQ about Sausage & Apple Stuffing

Q: Can I make this Sausage & Apple Stuffing ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire stuffing a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. Just make sure the sausage is cooked through before adding it to the stuffing.

Q: What if I don’t have chicken broth?

A: You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, turkey broth, or even water mixed with a bouillon cube.

Q: How do I prevent my Sausage & Apple stuffing from drying out during baking?

A: Add a touch more broth before baking. Make sure to keep it covered with foil for the majority of baking time.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to my sausage apple stuffing?

A: Of course! Consider adding mushrooms, nuts, more fresh herbs, and dried fruits for additional flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts on Sausage & Apple Stuffing

I hope you enjoy this delicious twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish! This Sausage & Apple Stuffing is sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access next Thanksgiving. I’d love to hear your variations and if this stuffing becomes part of your tradition. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and thanksgiving menu ideas!

Sausage & Apple Stuffing

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, the incredible food! This Sausage & Apple Stuffing combines savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs to create a flavorful side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to be a star of your thanksgiving dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• oven
• Large skillet,
• Baking dish,
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage removed from casings
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 loaf day-old bread cubed (French or Italian bread works well)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries optional, for added sweetness

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the diced apples and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cranberries (if using).
• Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the bread mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Do not over-saturate.
• Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
• Let the Sausage & Apple Stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This keeps it from crumbling apart.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and gluten-free sausage. For a vegan variation, substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegan butter. Add other fruits or vegetables like pears, cranberries, mushrooms, or butternut squash to customize flavors.

Keyword Apple, Sausage, Stuffing, Thanksgiving