Irresistible Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

The aroma of Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of savory and sweet. Picture tender sausage mingling with crisp apples and fragrant herbs, each bite promising comfort and nostalgia.

Imagine gathering around the table with friends, laughter echoing as everyone savors this delightful dish. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy family gathering, creating memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing is not only easy to prepare but bursts with rich flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Its vibrant colors add a festive touch to your table, making it visually appealing.
  • Perfect for any occasion, this stuffing can easily complement a variety of main dishes.
  • Every bite offers a delightful harmony between savory sausage and sweet apples, ensuring a memorable meal experience.

This stuffing has made my friends gasp in delight at Thanksgiving dinners, proving it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite mild or spicy sausage for a flavor boost that enhances the stuffing.

  • Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance against the savory sausage.

  • Celery: Fresh celery adds crunch and depth; opt for stalks that are firm and crisp.

  • Onion: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, adding a rich flavor to the stuffing mix.

  • Bread Cubes: Day-old bread works best; it absorbs flavors without becoming soggy.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping everything moist.

  • Fresh Herbs: A mix of parsley, thyme, and rosemary brightens up the stuffing with freshness.

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for sautéing; it enriches the stuffing without overpowering other flavors.

  • Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; these staples enhance all the wonderful flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing

How to Make Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing your apples, onion, and celery into small pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the stuffing.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add diced onions and celery; cook until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add the Sausage: Crumble Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through; about 8-10 minutes should do it.

Incorporate Apples: Stir in diced apples along with fresh herbs. Cook until apples soften slightly—around 3-4 minutes will enhance their sweetness.

Toss in Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with cooked sausage mixture. Pour chicken broth over everything; toss gently to combine while ensuring bread absorbs moisture.

Bake Your Stuffing: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes; remove foil last 10 minutes for a crispy top.

Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing! Enjoy every delicious bite as you gather around with loved ones.

You Must Know

  • This Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing elevates any meal with its delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors.
  • The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth, making it an instant favorite at family gatherings.
  • Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy dinners, it’s a dish that sparks joy.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage to release its rich flavors, then sauté the vegetables. Finally, combine everything with the bread and stock for perfect stuffing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different herbs or add nuts to enhance texture and flavor. Experimenting keeps every batch fresh and exciting.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor boost that dried herbs simply can’t match.
  • Always toast your bread prior to mixing; it helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess.
  • Don’t skip on seasoning; taste as you go for a well-balanced stuffing.

Sharing this dish at family gatherings has always brought smiles and compliments my way. One Thanksgiving, my cousin almost declared it the best dish ever—I’ll take that win!

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free bread for this stuffing?

Yes, gluten-free bread works great in this sausage, apple & herb stuffing recipe.

How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

What type of sausage is best for stuffing?

Use your favorite sausage; pork or chicken varieties complement the flavors wonderfully.

Print

Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing

Savor the comforting blend of savory sausage, crisp apples, and fragrant herbs in this delightful Sausage, Apple & Herb Stuffing. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering, this easy-to-make dish promises to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a must-have for your festive feasts.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cups diced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced sweet onion
  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dice apples, onion, and celery into small pieces.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add onion and celery; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
  4. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned (8-10 minutes).
  5. Stir in apples and fresh herbs; cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. In a large bowl, combine sausage mixture with bread cubes and pour chicken broth over top; toss gently to combine.
  7. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a crispy top.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Experiment by adding nuts or different herbs for variety. Always use day-old bread to maintain texture.

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