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Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

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A comforting and flavorful stuffing combining savory Italian sausage, tart apples, and fresh herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (about 12 ounces / 340 grams) – rustic sourdough or crusty white bread
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup) – Granny Smith preferred
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) – yellow or sweet onion
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. If using fresh bread, toast bread cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside 8 cups (about 12 ounces / 340 grams).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Add butter, chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with sausage. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Toss in diced apple, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until apples start to soften but still hold their shape.
  6. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, beaten eggs, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to moisten bread without making it mushy. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and pressing down lightly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp and the inside is warm and tender. For extra crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  9. Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or toasted bread cubes to prevent sogginess. Brown sausage thoroughly to develop flavor and ensure safety (160°F internal temperature). Add broth gradually to avoid mushy stuffing. Fresh herbs are preferred for best flavor. For gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and broth. Variations include swapping sausage for mushrooms or plant-based alternatives and adding dried cranberries or nuts for texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, sausage stuffing, apple stuffing, savory stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, Christmas, cozy recipes

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/savory-stuffing-with-sausage-and-apple-easy-recipe-for-cozy-gatherings/