Prepare to revolutionize your holiday meal with a stuffing that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Tarragon Apple Sausage Stuffing is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, savory goodness of sausage with the sweet, crisp surprise of apples and the delicate, aromatic touch of fresh tarragon. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game and become the star of your holiday table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly 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 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.
- In the same skillet with sausage drippings, sauté the chopped onion and celery until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced apple to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the apple begins to soften slightly.
- Transfer the onion, celery, and apple mixture to the bowl with the cooked sausage.
- Add the bread cubes, chopped fresh tarragon, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread cubes are evenly moistened but not soggy.
- 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 golden, crispy top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Bread Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy, while slightly dry bread absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Don't Oversaturate: When adding chicken broth, add it slowly and mix carefully. You want the bread to be moist, not swimming in liquid.
- Maximize Flavor: Cook the sausage and vegetables in the same pan to capture all those delicious drippings and build layers of flavor.
- Crispy Top Secret: Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking ensures a golden, crispy top that adds fantastic texture.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stuffing to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
- Customize: Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and bake it just before serving – perfect for holiday meal planning!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
