Print

Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe Easy Homemade Herb Stuffing for Thanksgiving

sausage and apple stuffing - featured image
Print Recipe

A savory and sweet stuffing combining juicy sausage, crisp apples, and fresh herbs, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. This recipe balances traditional flavors with a fresh homemade twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 6 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed (about 10 ounces)
  • 2 cups fresh bread cubes (about 4 ounces)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cut day-old crusty bread and fresh bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until lightly crisp but not browned.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned with crispy bits, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, keeping some for flavor.
  4. Add butter to the skillet, then sauté diced onion, celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add diced apples and cook for another 3 minutes until they start to soften but still hold shape.
  5. Stir in chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary to release their aroma.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, place toasted bread cubes. Pour the sausage and apple mixture on top. Slowly add chicken broth a little at a time, tossing gently to moisten. Aim for moist but not soggy bread.
  7. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. If using, fold in toasted pecans or walnuts.
  9. Transfer stuffing mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Dot the top with small pats of butter.
  10. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and heated through. For a crunchier top, broil for 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of day-old and fresh bread cubes to achieve moist stuffing without sogginess. Brown sausage in batches for crispy edges. Add fresh herbs with veggies to release flavors. Adjust broth slowly to avoid soggy stuffing. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. For gluten-free, substitute bread with gluten-free cubes or soaked crackers. Vegetarian option: replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage stuffing, apple stuffing, Thanksgiving stuffing, herb stuffing, homemade stuffing, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/sausage-and-apple-stuffing-recipe-easy-homemade-herb-stuffing-for-thanksgiving/