Sausage and Apple Stuffing is the perfect side dish to complement your Thanksgiving feast. Combining the savory flavors of sausage with the natural sweetness of apples, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture. Crispy on top with a soft, moist interior, this stuffing will become a favorite at your holiday table.
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Why You’ll Love Sausage and Apple Stuffing
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sausage, apples, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering, savory stuffing that’s perfect for any holiday meal.
- Perfect Texture: The bread on top becomes deliciously crispy, while the inside stays soft without being soggy.
- Easy to Prepare: With make-ahead options, you can save time on the big day by prepping this dish in advance.
- Versatile: This stuffing pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or any roasted meats you choose to serve.
Sausage and Apple Stuffing Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create this flavorful stuffing:
- 1 loaf (1 lb) crusty bread (sourdough or country loaf), cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or sage sausage)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced celery
- ½ fennel bulb, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried sage)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
How to Make Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the cubed bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the bread is dry but not too hard. Set the bread aside to cool.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Apples
Using the same skillet, add the onion, celery, fennel (if using), apples, and bay leaf. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, sage, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Remove the bay leaf and transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, vegetable mixture, and toasted bread cubes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, chicken broth, melted butter, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is cooked through.
FAQs
Sourdough bread is an excellent choice for this recipe because its slight tanginess complements the savory sausage and herbs. You can also use a rustic country loaf for a heartier stuffing.
For the best balance of tartness and firmness, go with Granny Smith apples. These apples hold their shape well during baking and complement the sausage’s richness. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are good alternatives.
Italian sausage works wonderfully, but you can also use sage sausage for a more herbal flavor. Choose the sausage variety that suits your taste.
Fennel adds a subtle aniseed flavor that pairs beautifully with sausage. However, it’s optional. If you can’t find fresh fennel, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of dried fennel seeds or skip it entirely.
To avoid soggy stuffing, toast the bread cubes before mixing them with the wet ingredients. This helps the bread absorb the moisture without becoming too mushy. Also, make sure not to underbake the stuffing, as that can result in a soggy texture.
Make-Ahead Sausage and Apple Stuffing
You can prepare this stuffing ahead of time to save yourself time on the day of your Thanksgiving feast. Here’s how:
- Toast the Bread: Cube and toast the bread, allowing it to dry out completely.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables a day before.
- Assemble the Stuffing: Mix the bread, sausage, and vegetables with the wet ingredients but do not bake.
- Bake When Ready: On the day you plan to serve it, bake the stuffing at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or your favorite protein.
- Pair with a cheesy green bean casserole or a sweet potato casserole for a well-rounded Thanksgiving meal.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Related recipes
- For another crowd-pleasing side dish, check out this : A Festive Holiday Side Dish That Steals the Show
- Don’t forget to add a Crispy Country Potatoes to your Thanksgiving menu.
Sausage and Apple Stuffing
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Sausage and Apple Stuffing is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, packed with savory sausage, crisp apples, and fresh herbs. With crispy bread on top and a soft, moist interior, this stuffing is a perfect complement to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 lb) crusty bread (sourdough or country loaf), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or sage sausage)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 fennel bulb, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried sage)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread cubed bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the bread is dry but not too hard. Set the bread aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the onion, celery, fennel (if using), apples, and bay leaf. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sage, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Remove the bay leaf and transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, vegetable mixture, and toasted bread cubes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, chicken broth, melted butter, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is cooked through.
Notes
For a perfect texture, toast the bread cubes to prevent sogginess. You can prep the stuffing ahead of time and bake it on the day of your celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Final thoughts
Sausage and Apple Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of the rich flavors and textures that make Thanksgiving dinner special. With its hearty ingredients and make-ahead option, it’s a dish that’s both practical and flavorful. Make this stuffing part of your holiday meal, and watch it become a family favorite year after year.
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