There’s something truly magical about family gatherings and holiday meals, isn’t there? The warmth, the laughter, and of course, the delicious food! One dish that always steals the show in my home is my Sausage & Apple Stuffing. It’s savory, satisfying, and the perfect balance of flavors—sweet apples combined with hearty sausage and herbs. Trust me, every bite is a hug for your taste buds! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this stuffing is a must-have on our table. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, don’t worry—this stuffing can easily be made without sausage and still taste absolutely divine. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb sausage (or omit for a vegetarian version)
- 4 cups bread cubes (your choice of bread, but I love using a good sourdough!)
- 2 cups diced apples (I prefer a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth)
- 1 cup chopped celery (adds that lovely crunch)
- 1 cup chopped onion (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tsp sage (fresh is wonderful if you have it!)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried works too, but fresh is magical)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Sausage & Apple Stuffing
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial! Preheating ensures that your stuffing bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden brown top. No one wants soggy stuffing, right? So, set that oven and let it warm up while you prep the rest!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Now, grab a skillet and cook your sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want those little bits of sausage to get caramelized and flavorful because they’re going to infuse your stuffing with all that deliciousness. Don’t forget to break it up into small pieces as it cooks!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked, add in your chopped celery and onion. Cook them together until they’re soft, about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out their sweetness and ensures they blend beautifully into the stuffing. You want them tender, but not mushy—just perfect!
Step 4: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your bread cubes, diced apples, and the sausage mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently, making sure all those ingredients are evenly distributed. You want every bite to have that fabulous combination of flavors!
Step 5: Season and Combine
Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in your chicken broth, then sprinkle in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together well! The broth will help everything bind together, and the herbs will give your stuffing that lovely aroma. Make sure everything is coated nicely!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, take a greased baking dish and transfer your stuffing mixture into it. Use a spatula to press it down gently, ensuring an even layer. This helps it bake uniformly. If you want, you can sprinkle a bit more broth on top for extra moisture!
Step 7: Bake
Finally, pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and it smells absolutely heavenly! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for everyone to rave about your amazing Sausage & Apple Stuffing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have this stuffing ready to bake in no time!
- Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing fits right in.
- Delicious combination of flavors: The sweet apples paired with savory sausage create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.
- Can be made vegetarian: Just leave out the sausage and you still get a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
- Choosing the right bread type: I recommend using a sturdy bread like sourdough or whole grain. They hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients and soak up all the tasty flavors without getting mushy. If you want to add a little twist, try using a bread with herbs or spices built in!
- Enhancing flavors with nuts or dried fruits: For an extra layer of texture and taste, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, dried cranberries or apricots can bring a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples. Just be sure to chop them up small so they mix in well!
- Adjusting seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so if you like things a bit spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or more black pepper. If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, feel free to increase the amounts of sage and thyme. Just remember to adjust gradually; you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup) of my delicious Sausage & Apple Stuffing:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
This stuffing is a hearty side dish that can fit into many diets. Just remember, if you’re counting calories or watching sodium intake, you might want to adjust the ingredients a bit. Enjoy every flavorful bite, and happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I make Sausage & Apple Stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the steps up to transferring it to the baking dish, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What type of bread works best?
I love using sourdough or whole grain bread for this stuffing because they’re sturdy and soak up the flavors beautifully. You can also use a classic white bread, but feel free to get creative and try a bread with herbs or spices for an extra kick!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this stuffing gluten-free, simply swap out the regular bread for a gluten-free bread of your choice. There are many great options available now that still provide that delightful texture and flavor you want in your stuffing!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely freeze any leftovers! Just let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I serve with this stuffing?
Sausage & Apple Stuffing is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Honestly, it can even stand on its own as a hearty vegetarian dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers fresh and tasty! First off, once your Sausage & Apple Stuffing has cooled down, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for those late-night snack cravings or lunch leftovers!
If you want to hold onto it a bit longer, you can absolutely freeze it. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then pack it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. I like to label mine with the date so I don’t forget when I made it. It can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options! If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, just pop a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Just be careful not to dry it out!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Sausage & Apple Stuffing just as much the next day (or week!). Happy eating!
Print
Sausage & Apple Stuffing: 7 Steps to Irresistible Flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory stuffing made with sausage and apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned.
- Add celery and onion, cooking until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, apples, and the sausage mixture.
- Add chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- This dish can be made without sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to use any type of bread.
- Add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Sausage & Apple Stuffing, stuffing, side dish, holiday recipe