Imagine a stuffing so incredibly delicious that it steals the spotlight from the main course - this Apple Sausage Stuffing is that game-changing recipe! Combining the savory richness of sausage, the sweet crunch of apples, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing transforms an ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon, allowing excess grease to drain. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same skillet with remaining sausage drippings, sauté the chopped onions and celery until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and apples to the bowl with the cooked sausage.
- Add the bread cubes, sage, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Gradually pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread cubes are moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a soggy stuffing.
- Choose a high-quality sausage with good seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Don't skip sautéing the vegetables - this step builds deep, complex flavors.
- Be careful not to oversaturate the bread cubes with broth; add gradually to control moisture.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a wider baking dish to increase surface area.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the sage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
