This savory stuffing combines juicy sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant sage for a tasty side dish. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a warm family dinner!
I love how the sweetness of the apples balances the spices of the sausage. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover bread! Can’t go wrong with that! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds a rich flavor and spice. You can swap it for turkey sausage for a lighter option or even use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Day-Old Bread: Sourdough or French bread works best for texture. If you don’t have either, use any crusty bread; just make sure it’s stale to absorb the broth well.
Apple: I recommend Granny Smith for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a sweetness. If apples aren’t available, pears could work in a pinch!
Sage: Fresh sage is such a nice touch, but dried sage is a fine alternative. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Get My Stuffing Extra Flavorful?
The secret to a deeply flavorful stuffing is all in the sautéing! Start with cooking the sausage to infuse the fat with flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet to medium and melt butter before adding sausage. Break it up and cook until browned (about 6-8 mins).
- Next, sauté the onion and celery in the sausage drippings. This adds wonderful depth!
- Lastly, mix in the diced apples and sage to enhance the stuffing. This step adds freshness and complements the sausage nicely.
Letting the mixture rest for a few minutes before baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your delicious stuffing! 😊
How to Make Delicious Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 8 cups (about 14 ounces) day-old bread cubes (such as French bread or sourdough)
- 1 large apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Total Time Needed:
This stuffing takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. You want them to be dry and lightly browned. Once done, let them cool.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and completely cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. After that, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté in the delicious sausage fat and butter until the veggies are softened, which will take around 5 minutes.
4. Add the Apples and Herbs:
Now, it’s time to add the diced apples, sage, and thyme (if you’re using it). Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the apples begin to soften and release their flavors.
5. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the apple-onion-celery mixture. Mix it all together well.
6. Mix the Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth and the eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss everything until all the bread is evenly moistened. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Bake Uncovered:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden and crispy—delicious!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you’d like, you can garnish it with fresh sage leaves for that extra touch!
Enjoy this flavorful Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing as a perfect side dish for holiday meals or any cozy dinner gathering! 🍏🍞
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Yes, you can use any crusty bread that’s day-old or stale! Sourdough, French bread, or even a hearty whole grain will work beautifully. Just make sure to toast it before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent sogginess.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the stuffing mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve. If you’ve prepared it ahead of time, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffing! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.
How Do I Add More Flavor to the Stuffing?
To amp up the flavor, consider adding some garlic during the sautéing step or mix in additional herbs like rosemary or parsley. Adding some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can provide a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor as well!
