Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
Introduction
This savory sausage and apple stuffing offers a delightful balance of rich, seasoned sausage and the natural sweetness of apples. It’s a perfect side dish to complement your holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Then add the diced apples and chopped onion, cooking until the onion is softened.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the bread cubes. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently until the bread is moistened.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the stuffing is heated through.
Tips & Variations
- Use a hearty, rustic bread like sourdough or country white for better texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as sage or thyme for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and a plant-based broth.
- Toast the bread cubes lightly before mixing to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
Storage
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can this stuffing be frozen?
Yes, transfer cooled stuffing to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
PrintSavory Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
This Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing is a perfect blend of seasoned Italian sausage, sweet apples, and hearty bread cubes, baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a delicious side dish for holiday meals or family dinners, it balances savory and slightly sweet flavors for a comforting experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
Produce
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
Bakery
- 4 cups bread cubes
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the stuffing later.
- Brown sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, removing it from its casing first. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add apples and onion: To the browned sausage in the skillet, add the peeled and diced apples along with the chopped onion. Cook together until the onions are softened and the apples begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Combine with bread and broth: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, apples, and onions with the bread cubes. Pour in the chicken broth and gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into a greased baking dish, ensuring it is compact but not too tightly packed.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread cubes so they absorb the broth better without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add fresh herbs like sage or thyme for enhanced flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Keywords: sausage stuffing, apple stuffing, savory stuffing, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, Italian sausage recipe
