Get ready to revolutionize your holiday table with a stuffing so delicious, so perfectly balanced, that no one will believe it's gluten-free and dairy-free! This Sausage Apple Herb Stuffing is a culinary masterpiece that proves dietary restrictions never mean compromising on flavor. Imagine crispy bread cubes, savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs dancing together in one mouthwatering dish that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound gluten-free bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage, crumbled
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or a dairy-free cooking spray.
- Spread the gluten-free bread cubes on a large baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cubes are golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Using the same skillet with sausage drippings, add chopped onions and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are soft and translucent.
- Add diced apple to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the apple to soften slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, dried sage, and dried thyme. Mix gently to combine.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread cubes are evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Choose high-quality gluten-free bread with a sturdy texture to prevent your stuffing from becoming mushy.
- Toast the bread cubes thoroughly to create a crispy base that holds up during baking.
- Use the same skillet for sausage and vegetables to maximize flavor development from the drippings.
- Don't oversaturate the bread with broth - add gradually and mix gently to maintain the right moisture balance.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
