This tasty stuffing mixes savory sausage with sweet apples and fragrant sage. It’s the perfect cozy dish to add warmth to any meal, especially during the holidays!
I love how the sweetness of the apples balances the rich sausage. It always makes my family smile when I serve it. Plus, it fills the kitchen with such a lovely smell while cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Sausage: You can use mild or hot sausage. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great substitute. It provides similar flavor but with less fat.
Day-Old Bread: I suggest using crusty white or sourdough bread for texture. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread and dry it out in the oven.
Apples: Granny Smith’s tartness balances perfectly with the savory sausage. Honeycrisp adds a sweet crunch. Feel free to use any apple you love, just ensure it’s firm and not overly sweet.
Sage: Fresh sage is a wonderful herb with a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, dried sage works in a pinch but be careful as it’s more concentrated—start with a smaller amount!
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Doesn’t Come Out Too Soggy?
Getting the right moisture level in stuffing is key for great texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Toast the bread until it’s dry; this helps absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- When mixing the bread with the broth, add gradually. Mix gently until you reach a consistency you like—moist but not dripping wet.
- If you find it a bit dry before baking, you can add more broth just to moisten it up; it’s easier than fixing a soggy stuffing!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create a delicious stuffing that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
How to Make Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound (450g) pork sausage (mild or hot as preferred)
- 10 cups (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably crusty white or sourdough)
- 1 large apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 to 2 ½ cups (480-600ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. So, plan for about an hour total to get everything ready and baked to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the 1-inch bread cubes onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are dry and lightly golden. Once done, take them out and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pork sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
3. Sauté the Veggies and Apple:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and diced apple. Sauté gently for around 5-7 minutes until everything is softened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Seasoning:
Now, stir in the fresh sage and thyme, cooking for another minute to let those lovely aromas fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Mix it All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed mixture of apple and vegetables. Mix gently to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Combine Broth and Eggs:
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and the beaten eggs until blended. This mixture will help bind the stuffing together.
7. Combine Everything:
Gradually pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread mixture, stirring lightly to combine. Be careful not to over-saturate; you want the bread to be moist but not soggy. If you feel it needs more liquid, slowly add more broth!
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
9. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
10. Serve:
If you like, garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm, flavorful stuffing!
This recipe yields a wonderfully moist stuffing with tender apples, fragrant sage, and savory sausage mixed with crisp bread cubes. It’s perfect for your holiday table or any cozy gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While crusty white or sourdough works best, you can use any bread you prefer, such as whole wheat or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure it’s day-old and dried out for the best texture.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with baking as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish!