I absolutely love how this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe brings that perfect balance of savory and sweet to the table. The combination of spicy sausage and tart apples creates a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible, especially when everything bakes together to golden perfection. If you’re looking for a stuffing that stands out during holiday dinners or cozy family meals, this one’s definitely worth trying.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how the apples added a juicy freshness without making the stuffing soggy. You’ll find that the sausage’s richness pairs beautifully with the herbs and the slightly crisped edges of the bread mix. It’s comforting but with a little twist, making it a great side that everyone asks for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Sweet & Savory Combo: The apples add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sausage, keeping every bite exciting.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stuffing comes together quickly and reliably.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep it in advance, saving you stress on busy cooking days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this every time, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to deliver layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, I always go for fresh Granny Smith apples for their tartness and a good-quality mild Italian sausage for that tender, flavorful meat base.
- Canola oil: A neutral oil that gets the sausage nicely browned without overpowering other flavors.
- Mild Italian sausage: I like the mild version as it complements the apples without being too spicy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies and apples as they cook.
- Celery: Brings crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the sweet and savory.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes during cooking.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape and brighten the stuffing.
- Dried sage: A classic herb for stuffing, giving that woodsy aroma.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a hint of piney, fragrant flavor.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Season thoughtfully to balance all the flavors.
- Chicken stock: Keeps the stuffing moist and infuses it with savory depth.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together for a cohesive texture.
- Packaged stuffing mix: The base that soaks up all the flavors and crisps up nicely in the oven.
Variations
I enjoy customizing this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak the herbs or swap ingredients to make it your own—it’s pretty forgiving!
- Herb Twist: Sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme or add fresh parsley at the end for a vibrant pop of green.
- Spicy Version: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage step gives it a nice kick that my husband loves.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Skip the sausage and boost flavor with extra butter, mushrooms, and toasted nuts for texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your chicken stock is gluten-free for a safe swap.
How to Make Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage and soften the veggies
Start by heating the canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the mild Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once you see it starting to brown and release its juices, toss in the butter, diced celery, onion, apples, sage, and rosemary. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the sausage is cooked through. A key tip here is to keep the heat moderate so the apples stay intact and don’t turn to mush.
Step 2: Combine with broth, egg, and stuffing mix
Remove your sausage and apple mixture from the heat, then stir in the chicken stock and beaten egg until everything is evenly incorporated. The egg helps bind the stuffing, while the broth keeps it moist. Next, add the packaged stuffing mix and give it a good stir—make sure every piece of bread gets coated with all those lovely flavors.
Step 3: Bake until golden and delicious
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the stuffing mixture into it. Cover it tightly with foil to trap steam and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. This finishing touch gives you that irresistible contrast between a crunchy top and soft inside.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Apples: Keep an eye on the apples while sautéing; you want them tender but not mushy.
- Use Quality Sausage: Good sausage makes a big difference—mild Italian works best for balanced flavor without too much spice.
- Even Mixing: Stir the broth and egg thoroughly into the stuffing mix to avoid dry pockets in your final bake.
- Cover While Baking: Baking covered first locks in moisture so your stuffing isn’t dry inside.
How to Serve Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top just before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a little drizzle of melted butter gives it an extra glossy finish that everyone appreciates.
Side Dishes
This Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, but I also enjoy it alongside honey-glazed carrots and steamed green beans for a balanced, inviting meal. Mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce round things out perfectly in my experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake the stuffing in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins to make it feel extra festive. Another trick is layering it in a casserole dish with slices of apple on top for a pretty visual effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, I let the stuffing cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, which is great for quick lunches or reheating alongside your dinner.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stuffing a few times, especially after big holidays. Just cool it, portion into freezer-safe containers, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to warm it gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwaving works fine for a quick meal but can make the top less crisp, so add a few minutes under the broiler if you want to revive that golden finish.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage in this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While mild Italian sausage is my go-to for its balanced flavor, you can switch to spicy Italian, breakfast sausage, or even a chicken sausage. Just keep in mind that different sausages vary in fat and seasoning, so adjust your salt and spice levels accordingly.
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What if I don’t have packaged stuffing mix?
No worries! You can make your own by toasting cubed bread (like sourdough or white bread) until dry and a bit crispy. Then toss those cubes with the sausage mixture and broth. This works just as well and lets you customize bread type and texture.
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How do I keep the stuffing from becoming soggy?
The key is balancing the liquid—don’t pour in too much broth at once. The egg helps bind moisture without making the mixture watery. Also, baking covered initially traps moisture evenly, then uncovering lets the top crisp up without drying out the whole dish.
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Can I make this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, just adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming out chilled from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe truly became a staple in my family’s kitchen because it brings that cozy, comforting feeling with a little unexpected brightness from the apples. I’m always excited to serve it up because I know everyone will enjoy the juicy, herb-infused bites and ask for seconds. Give it a try next time you want to impress without fuss—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and comforting Sausage & Apple Stuffing that combines mild Italian sausage, crisp Granny Smith apples, aromatic herbs, and classic stuffing mix. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, this dish adds a flavorful twist to traditional stuffing, ideal for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Meat & Fats
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Produce
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Others
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 cups packaged stuffing mix
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large sauté pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the Italian sausage, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks until it begins to brown.
- Sauté Vegetables and Apples: Add the unsalted butter, diced celery, onion, diced Granny Smith apples, dried sage, and dried rosemary to the pan with the sausage. Stir to combine well and cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is fully cooked. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine with Liquids and Stuffing Mix: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chicken stock and beaten egg. Then add the packaged stuffing mix, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is cooked through and golden brown on top.
Notes
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Use mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor; spicy sausage can be substituted for a kick.
- The Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
- If chicken stock is not available, vegetable stock can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before mixing with the stuffing to ensure food safety.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
