Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe

When the holidays roll around or you just want a comforting side that elevates your meal, my Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s packed with savory sausage and the sweet, crisp bite of apples — the kind of contrast that genuinely delights your taste buds. I love this recipe because it’s both hearty and fresh, making it the perfect companion to roast chicken, turkey, or even pork.

You’ll find that this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe isn’t just for special occasions either. It’s a fantastic dish to whip up anytime you want that cozy, nostalgic comfort food feeling without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, you’ll get to impress everyone around the table with layering flavors that taste like home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe works harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture. The crisp celery and onion give crunch and earthiness, while the sage and rosemary add that warming herbal note that defines classic stuffing.

• Canola oil: I prefer canola for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, perfect for browning sausage without overpowering the dish.
• Mild Italian sausage: Removing the casing lets you easily crumble the meat, making for a nicely distributed savory protein.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness but lets you control the salt level in the final dish.
• Celery: Dice it finely for subtle crunch that keeps the stuffing from feeling mushy.
• Onion: I always use yellow onion for its natural sweetness once cooked.
• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness really brightens up the stuffing — don’t skip this!
• Dried sage & rosemary: These classic herbs bring that signature stuffing flavor we all crave.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
• Chicken stock: Use a good-quality stock to soak the stuffing mix and infuse moistness with depth.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything together so your stuffing holds its shape.
• Packaged stuffing mix: Convenient and flavorful, this forms the bread base — just be sure it’s a quality brand for best taste.

Variations

Personally, I tweak this Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe depending on the season and what I have handy. You can make this recipe your own with simple swaps or additions that suit your tastes and dietary needs.

• Vegetarian option: I’ve replaced sausage with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts before, which gives a deep umami flavor that’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right kick, and my family loved the subtle heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the packaged stuffing mix for a gluten-free bread crumb alternative to enjoy a celiac-friendly version.
• Seasonal twist: In fall, I toss in chopped pecans or dried cranberries for festive texture and sweetness.

How to Make Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space and Preheat Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This gets your workspace ready, so when the stuffing is mixed, you can just pop it in and not worry about sticking or cleanup later. I like to set everything out ahead — it helps keep the process smooth.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat your canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage well builds the base of flavor, so be patient and let it get nicely caramelized. This step smells incredible — a great sign you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Cook Your Veggies and Apples

Once the sausage is browning, add butter, diced celery, onion, apples, dried sage, and rosemary. Stir everything together and cook about 5 minutes, just until the vegetables soften and the apples start to give off that wonderful aroma. Season with salt and pepper at this point. This combo is what makes the Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe so special—the warm herbs complement the fruit and meat perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chicken stock along with your beaten egg. Then add the packaged stuffing mix and fold everything carefully until your bread mix is evenly coated and starting to absorb those flavors. The egg helps hold it all together, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Delicious

Transfer the stuffing to your prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the stuffing feels cooked through. I love that golden crust—it’s the best part for texture and presentation alike.

How to Serve Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top after baking, just for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a few toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for a subtle sweet finish, especially when serving at holiday dinners.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or chicken, but I also love it alongside sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp winter salad with cranberries and toasted nuts. Those fresh veggies balance the richness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked the stuffing in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. Another fun idea is serving it in a hollowed bread bowl—super rustic and guaranteed to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftover stuffing completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick reheats or transforming into stuffed peppers or hash.

Freezing

Freezing this stuffing works great! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’re good to go.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you like the top crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the oven really helps maintain that lovely texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage & Apple Stuffing Recipe is one I keep coming back to year after year. It strikes that perfect balance of savory and sweet, and it’s easy enough to make even when life gets busy. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll enjoy not just the fantastic flavors but also the cozy warmth it brings to your table. So give it a go—you might just find your new favorite stuffing!

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