Sausage and apple stuffing is a dish that beautifully merges savory and sweet, creating a comforting and delightful side dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. The warm aroma of cooked sausage mingling with the sweetness of apples fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. What makes this stuffing truly special is its satisfying texture, thanks to the crispy edges that contrast with the tender bread soaked in flavorful broth. It’s a dish that not only complements your holiday meals but has the versatility to grace your table year-round.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday get-together years ago. The moment I tasted it, I understood why it was a favorite among family and friends. It surpasses any store-bought version you might find, bursting with fragrant herbs and earthy sausage, accented by juicy apples. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare yet makes a big impact, you’ve found it! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you after you give this best sausage and apple stuffing a try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just an hour, you’ll be enjoying this dish in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and sweet apples creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown top and colorful apple pieces make it visually appealing.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular family dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

16 cups diced bread: Stale bread works best for holding up to the moisture and keeping that delightful chewy texture. French or Italian bread are great choices.
1 cup salted butter: It adds richness to the stuffing. Unsalted butter can be used if you prefer to control the saltiness.
2 cups celery, diced: This provides a fresh crunch and mild flavor. You could swap it for diced bell peppers for a different twist.
2 cups onion, diced (white or yellow): Onions add sweetness once cooked down. Red onions work if you seek a sharper taste.
1 pound ground sausage: Choose a breakfast sausage for a hint of spice and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey sausage is a great alternative.
3 medium apples, cored and chopped into 1/2″ pieces: Granny Smith apples offer a tart punch that pairs beautifully with the sausage. Honeycrisp also works well for added sweetness.
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: This blend of herbs brings traditional holiday flavor. You can use individual herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage if preferred.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a hint of heat. Adjust according to your taste.
1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, minced: Adds a splash of color and freshness. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
1 teaspoon thyme, fresh, minced: A classic herb for stuffing. Dried thyme can substitute, just halve the amount.
1 teaspoon sage, fresh, minced: Its earthy flavor complements the apple perfectly. Dried sage can be used but it’s stronger, so reduce the amount.
1 tablespoon salt: To season the stuffing nicely. Taste to adjust if you’re using salted butter.
1½ cups chicken broth: This adds moisture and flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.

How to Make Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing

Preheat the oven: Begin by heating your oven to 250 degrees F.
Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1/2″ to 3/4″ pieces, spreading them in a single layer on baking sheets.
Dry the bread: Bake for about 1 hour, tossing occasionally to ensure every piece gets dry. Once they’re golden and dry, take them out and let them cool in a large bowl.
Increase the oven temperature: Raise it to 350 degrees F for baking the stuffing.
Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter.
Cook the vegetables: Add the diced celery and onion, stirring frequently. Cook until tender and translucent, roughly 8 minutes.
Brown the sausage: Add the ground sausage, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until there’s no pink left. Then, throw in the chopped apples and cook for one more minute.
Season the mixture: Stir in the poultry seasoning, minced parsley, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and chicken broth, blending everything well.
Combine with bread: Pour this mixture over your dried bread. Gently fold it, ensuring it’s moistened without any liquid pooling at the bottom. If it feels too dry, add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth.
Prepare for baking: Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray, then transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
Bake the stuffing: Bake in your preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, gently stirring every 15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and fragrant.
Serve: Take it out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy this delightful dish warm!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover best sausage and apple stuffing can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. If you need to keep it longer, transfer it to the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three days. For freezing, you can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a 350-degree oven for around 20-30 minutes. Just be mindful that the texture may change slightly, so adding a splash of broth can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

If your bread isn’t stale enough, you can easily dry it out in the oven as described, but be careful not to let it burn!
To avoid a soggy stuffing, make sure you don’t use fresh bread that hasn’t been dried well.
Feel free to experiment with herbs – adding rosemary can provide an earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
If you want a crispy top, you can broil it for the last five minutes of cooking – just watch it closely!
For those looking to prep ahead, you can assemble everything and store it in the fridge overnight before baking it the next day.

Sausage and apple stuffing is the kind of dish that becomes part of your family traditions. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile enough to complement any meal. Each bite is a reminder of warm holidays and joyous gatherings, making it an undeniable favorite on any table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What type of bread is best for stuffing?

Stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the broth without turning mushy. Traditional choices include French or Italian bread, but whole grain or sourdough can add a unique taste and texture as well.

Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, use a meatless sausage substitute or skip the meat altogether. You can also try ground turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option.

How do I know when the stuffing is done?

The stuffing is ready when the top is golden brown and crispy. A fork should easily pierce the inside without any liquid pooling. The fragrant aroma will also guide you along!

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Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing features delicious bread, savory sausage, and sweet apples, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting meal at home, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

16 cups diced bread, cut into 1/2"-3/4" pieces
1 cup salted butter
2 cups celery, diced
2 cups onion, diced (white or yellow)
1 pound ground sausage
3 medium apples, cored and chopped into 1/2" pieces
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, minced
1 teaspoon thyme, fresh, minced
1 teaspoon sage, fresh, minced
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups chicken broth

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Cut the bread into 1/2" to 3/4" pieces and arrange them on baking sheets in a single layer.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, tossing occasionally to ensure even drying. Once dried, remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl.
Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the celery and onions. Cook while stirring frequently until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes.
Add the ground sausage to the pot, breaking it into small chunks with the spoon. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, then stir in the diced apples and cook for an additional minute. Mix in the poultry seasoning, minced parsley, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
Combine the sausage mixture with the dry bread, folding gently until moist but with no standing liquid. If necessary, add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Lightly spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick spray and spread the bread mixture evenly in the dish.
Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

Ensure the bread is thoroughly dried for the best texture in the stuffing.
Feel free to customize with additional herbs or vegetables as desired.
This stuffing can be made ahead and reheated before serving.