Get ready to transform your holiday table with a stuffing recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Herb Apple and Sausage Stuffing is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that perfectly balances savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs. Imagine the rich, golden-brown top crisp and inviting, with each bite promising a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will make your traditional holiday meal extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage, crumbled
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium-high heat until it's fully browned and no pink remains. Break the sausage into small pieces while cooking. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet with sausage drippings, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced apples and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the sautéed onions and apples to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Incorporate the cubed bread, chopped fresh sage, and parsley. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Gradually pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to create a crispy, golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more consistent texture.
- Don't skip the sausage drippings: Cooking the onions and apples in the same pan captures maximum flavor.
- Control moisture carefully: Add chicken broth gradually to prevent the stuffing from becoming too wet or too dry.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a wider baking dish to increase the surface area.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with mushrooms or additional herbs.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference – avoid dried herbs if possible for the most vibrant flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
