Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Sausage and Apple Stuffing! Imagine the perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, sweet crisp apples, and herbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another side dish – it's a flavor-packed sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet with sausage drippings, sauté the diced onions and celery until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften but maintain their texture.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and apples to the bowl with the cooked sausage.
- Add the cubed bread, dried sage, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming too soggy.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes for the best texture. This helps the stuffing absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Don't skip the sausage browning step: Properly browning the sausage ensures deep, rich flavor throughout the dish.
- Watch the moisture: Add chicken broth gradually to prevent the stuffing from becoming too wet. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a wider baking dish to maximize the crispy top layer.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking – this helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
- Feel free to customize! Add dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or swap herbs to make this recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
