This warm stuffing combines tasty sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic sage for a cozy dish perfect for any gathering. It’s both hearty and inviting, making it a family favorite.
You simply mix everything together and let the oven work its magic! I love how the sausages add flavor, while the apples bring a sweet surprise—it’s like a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Bulk pork sausage adds rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well. For a vegetarian version, try a plant-based sausage or skip the meat and add more veggies.
Bread: Use day-old sourdough or country bread for the best texture. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free bread, which can work great, too!
Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to use any firm apples you have on hand or even pears for a twist.
Sage: Fresh sage is the star, but dried sage can work in a pinch. Just remember, use less of it as dried herbs are more concentrated. Thyme is another tasty herb if you want to mix things up!
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing is Flavorful and Not Soggy?
The key to great stuffing is for it to be moist yet not mushy. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use day-old bread as it absorbs liquid better and maintains texture.
- Toast the bread cubes until golden; this adds a crunchy element.
- Add broth gradually. Start with 1 cup and add more if needed; stop when it’s evenly moist but not swimming in liquid.
- Mix all ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the bread, keeping some chunks for a nice texture.
This way, your stuffing will be perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor!
How to Make Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound (450g) bulk pork sausage (mild or sage-flavored)
- 1 loaf (about 12 cups) of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably country or sourdough)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish and flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock (adjust for desired moistness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
- Olive oil or additional butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffing recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-50 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for getting ready for any family meal or holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until they are lightly browned and crisp. This helps create great texture in your stuffing. Once toasted, set the bread aside to cool down.
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pork sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan, and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add butter (or olive oil if you prefer). Add in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened and translucent, releasing a wonderful aroma. This is where your stuffing gets some great flavor!
5. Add the Apples:
Now, stir in the diced apples and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly. The apples will add a lovely touch of sweetness to your stuffing.
6. Mix in the Herbs and Seasoning:
Next, add the chopped fresh sage, parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning (if using). Give it a good stir and let it cook for another minute to enhance those delicious herbal flavors.
7. Combine the Mixtures:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed vegetables and apples. Toss everything together carefully to incorporate the flavors.
8. Add Broth:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently until the stuffing is evenly moist but not overly soggy. Depending on how dry your bread is, you may need 1 to 1 1/2 cups of broth.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil to help retain moisture while baking.
10. Bake:
Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish your stuffing with additional fresh rosemary or sage before serving. This adds a lovely touch of color and flavor!
12. Enjoy:
Serve your warm Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite roast or during a festive holiday meal. It’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy this comforting Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing — the perfect balance of savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While country or sourdough bread works best for texture, you can use any day-old bread you have on hand, such as French baguette or even cornbread, for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the broth amount based on how absorbent the bread is!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore some moisture if needed.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead! Assemble it up until the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Sausage to Make It Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based sausage or sauté more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to replace the meat. Adding nuts or dried fruit can also enhance the texture and flavor!
