This warm and cozy stuffing is a perfect mix of savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant sage. It’s great for holiday dinners or just a Sunday feast!
Honestly, I could eat it as a meal on its own! The combination of flavors makes it super tasty, and it fills the kitchen with wonderful smells. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A mix of crusty white and sourdough adds great texture to the stuffing. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread that’s dried out well. Some even like using cornbread for a hint of sweetness!
Sausage: Italian sausage is perfect here for its rich flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage is a fantastic substitute. You could also use vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version.
Apples: Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, balancing the savory. Prefer a sweeter touch? Go for Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. If they’re not available, pears can work well too!
Sage: Fresh sage gives a lovely aroma and flavor. If it’s hard to find, dried sage works in a pinch, just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Thyme is also a great addition!
How Do I Perfectly Toast My Bread for Stuffing?
Toasting the bread helps it hold its shape and absorb flavors without becoming mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread cubed bread evenly on baking sheets.
- Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it! You want it lightly golden and dried out, not burnt.
- Let it cool completely before mixing in the stuffing.
This step is crucial for getting that delicious stuffing texture you want. Happy cooking!
How to Make Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 10 cups cubed bread (preferably a mix of crusty white and sourdough), dried or toasted
- 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffing recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and takes around 50 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 5 minutes. It’s a perfect side dish for holiday feasts or cozy dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on baking sheets and toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s dry and lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but keep the drippings in the pan.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the drippings. Cook until they’re soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in the Apples and Herbs:
Now, add the diced apples, chopped sage, and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
In a very large bowl, mix together the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed vegetable and apple mixture. Toss it all gently to combine.
6. Add the Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and 2 cups of broth together. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients in the large bowl and gently toss to combine, adding more broth as needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
7. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and crisp.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the stuffing out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this comforting sausage, apple, and sage stuffing!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While a mix of crusty white and sourdough is recommended for texture, you can also use whole grain or gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s dried or toasted beforehand for the best results!
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage or mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). It’ll still be delicious!
What Should I Do If the Stuffing Seems Dry?
If your stuffing seems a bit dry, don’t worry! Just drizzle a little extra broth over the top before it goes in the oven. You can also add more broth while mixing if the initial mixture looks too dry.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead! Assemble the stuffing, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
