Easy and Fast Recipe! Sausage and Apple Stuffing with Fresh Herbs
Today we want to share with you a special post:
Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing Recipe
When it comes to Thanksgiving, few side dishes are as iconic as stuffing. But why settle for a basic recipe when you can elevate your holiday meal with a delicious sausage and apple stuffing with fresh herbs?
This recipe brings together the savory flavors of sausage, the sweetness of apples, and the earthy aroma of fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any festive gathering.
The Perfect Side for Every Occasion – Find Top Recipe Ideas Now!
In this post, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe for this incredible stuffing, along with tips and tricks to make sure it turns out perfect every time.
Let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-make Thanksgiving stuffing that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Why Sausage and Apple Stuffing?
Sausage and apple stuffing adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory to your holiday meal.
The juicy, flavorful sausage pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of apples, while fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme bring out those warm, comforting flavors that make Thanksgiving so special.
This stuffing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it as a side dish to your roasted turkey, or even bake it on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage and Apple Stuffing
To create this delicious sausage and apple stuffing with fresh herbs, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options)
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (cut into cubes, preferably sourdough or French bread)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 stalks of celery, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Let’s go step by step to create this mouthwatering sausage and apple stuffing that’s sure to impress your guests:
1. Prepare the Bread
- Dry out the bread: For the best texture, use day-old bread, or you can toast fresh bread cubes in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Toast for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and dried out.
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the chopped onion, celery, and apples. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the apples become tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Mix the sausage and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the sautéed onions, celery, and apples.
- Add the herbs: Stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs are what give the stuffing its signature Thanksgiving aroma and flavor.
4. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
- Add the bread cubes: Gently fold the bread cubes into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Pour in the broth: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth to the stuffing mixture, making sure the bread soaks it up. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy.
- Add the eggs: Whisk the eggs and stir them into the mixture. The eggs help bind the stuffing together and give it a rich, fluffy texture when baked.
5. Bake the Stuffing
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spoon the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffing for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp and the inside is hot and cooked through.
- Optional: If you like a crispy topping, you can finish the stuffing by broiling it for the last 5 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
Tips for Making the Best Sausage and Apple Stuffing
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy in the stuffing. Dry, day-old bread absorbs the broth better and gives you that perfect stuffing texture.
- Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well when cooked, while Honeycrisp adds a sweeter note. You can use either depending on your flavor preference.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: Be careful when adding the broth. You want the bread to absorb the liquid without becoming mushy. Add the broth gradually and stop once the bread is moist but still holds its shape.
- Customize the sausage: Mild sausage works well for a more subtle flavor, but if you like a bit of spice, try using a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Make it ahead: This stuffing can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh on the day of your meal. This saves you time on busy holidays like Thanksgiving!
How to Serve and Store Your Stuffing
Once your sausage and apple stuffing is baked to perfection, it’s ready to serve as a side dish for turkey, roasted chicken, or any other holiday main course.
The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and fresh herbs makes it a flavorful complement to your meal.
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
- Freeze: Stuffing can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.
Sausage and apple stuffing with fresh herbs is a delicious, flavorful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s not only perfect for holiday feasts but also great for any cozy fall or winter meal.
With these easy steps and tips, you’ll be able to make this crowd-pleasing stuffing with confidence, impressing your family and friends at the dinner table.
Do you have any unique ingredients or tips for making your stuffing even more special? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Source: The Carefree Kitchen
Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Cooking Board on Pinterest!
Other Recipes You’ll Love 😍