This delicious sausage, apple, and sage stuffing is perfect for any family meal or holiday gathering. It’s packed with savory sausage and sweet apples, creating a tasty mix!
I love how the sage adds a cozy flavor that reminds me of autumn. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix everything together and let it bake! Who can resist that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: Use sturdy bread like white or sourdough for the best texture. If you don’t have any, you can use whole wheat or even a gluten-free bread. Just dry it out in the oven as directed.
Sausage: Italian sausage is fantastic, but turkey sausage or chicken sausage works well for lighter options. If you’re vegetarian, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty substitute.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. You can use other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn, but avoid overly soft apples that can turn mushy when cooked.
Sage: Fresh sage gives a wonderful aroma. If you cannot find fresh, use 1 teaspoon of dried sage. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust according to taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Stays Moist but Not Soggy?
Getting the right moisture level in stuffing is essential. Start by toasting your bread cubes; this helps absorb the broth without becoming mushy. Aim for a slightly dry texture before adding broth.
- Gradually add chicken broth, a cup at a time. Stir well after each addition and check if it’s moist enough without being soupy.
- Once added, you can always sprinkle a bit more broth on top before baking if it looks dry.
Remember, baked stuffing will firm up a bit, so it’s okay for it to seem a little less moist at first. Enjoy your delicious stuffing!
Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a sturdy white or sourdough)
- 1 pound sausage (mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stuffing recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 50 minutes to bake—a total of about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy and delicious way to add flavor to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the cubed day-old bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes until it’s dry and crisp but not browned. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook it until it’s browned and thoroughly cooked. Once it looks good, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set it aside, leaving the delicious drippings in the skillet!
3. Sauté the Vegetables and Apple:
In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook these until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Now, add the diced apples and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add Herbs and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until that amazing aroma fills your kitchen, then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Combine the Stuffing Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, the cooked sausage, and the vegetable-apple mixture. Toss everything gently until mixed evenly.
6. Add Eggs and Broth:
Pour the beaten eggs over the stuffing mixture and gently stir to combine. Gradually add the chicken broth, about 1 cup at a time, stirring until the mixture is evenly moist but not soggy. Depending on the dryness of your bread, you may need 2 to 3 cups of broth.
7. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish. Cover it with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh whole sage leaves on top for a lovely presentation and serve the stuffing warm. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful sausage, apple & sage stuffing as an excellent side dish or as stuffing for your poultry. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works as a substitute. Just make sure to toast it well to dry it out before mixing, as this helps maintain the desired texture in your stuffing.
How Can I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the broth and bake it the next day. If you prepare it ahead, reduce the added broth slightly as the bread will absorb some moisture overnight.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Besides Sage and Thyme?
If you’re looking to switch things up, herbs like rosemary or parsley can add nice flavors too! Just remember to adjust quantities to your taste preferences, as different herbs have varying intensities.
