Sausage and Apple Stuffing is a delicious and savory dish that brings together the rich, hearty flavors of seasoned sausage with the natural sweetness of apples. This classic side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a wonderful blend of textures and tastes—from the crispy, golden bread cubes to the juicy apples and flavorful sausage. Aromatic herbs like sage and thyme enhance the stuffing, making it a warm and comforting addition to any festive meal. Whether served alongside roast turkey or as a standalone dish, Sausage and Apple Stuffing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old or toasted)
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables and apples: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the diced onion, celery, and apples. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and apples. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until the bread is moist but not soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs and chopped parsley.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
This Sausage and Apple Stuffing is a perfect combination of savory and sweet, making it a comforting and flavorful addition to your holiday table!