Get ready to transform your holiday meal with a stuffing recipe that's about to become the star of your dinner table! This Apple Walnut Sausage Stuffing isn't just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the savory richness of sausage, the sweet crunch of apples, and the earthy depth of toasted walnuts. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a holiday cooking novice, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game and have your guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage, crumbled
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread cubed bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving behind the rendered fat. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and celery until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed onions, celery, and apples.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts, sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Slowly pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should be damp but not soaked.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy stuffing.
- Toast the bread cubes before mixing to add extra crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Don't oversaturate with chicken broth – add gradually and mix gently to maintain the right moisture level.
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and savory sausage.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld together.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, cover with foil for the entire baking time. For a crispier top, uncover for the last 10 minutes.
- Can be prepared ahead of time – assemble the day before and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
