A flicker of warmth from the kitchen, a symphony of savory and sweet scents – these awaken cherished memories of holiday gatherings. There’s a magic to shared meals, a comfort in the familiar aromas of home. While the turkey or roast often takes center stage, there’s an unsung hero that truly completes the feast: stuffing. This recipe elevates that beloved side dish to a new level of deliciousness and ease. Get ready to experience the comforting embrace of this Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake, a dish that promises to become a highlight of your special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
This dish offers an irresistible flavor fusion. The sweet tang of apples perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the sausage and aromatic herbs. Each bite delivers a delightful texture combination: crispy, golden edges giving way to a tender, moist interior. Making this dish is also about effortless entertaining. You can prepare it ahead of time, which significantly reduces last-minute stress. It is a true crowd-pleaser, sure to impress all your guests. This bake is also versatile and adaptable, fitting for many meals beyond just holidays. Even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results with this simple-to-master Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake.
Ingredients of Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
- Essential Pantry Staples:
- 1 pound stale bread (sourdough, challah, or day-old white bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- The Stars of the Show:
- 1 pound bulk mild or hot Italian turkey sausage, or breakfast sausage
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
Directions of Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
- Prep Work Perfection:
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast for 15-20 minutes, or until dried out and lightly golden. This step is crucial for good texture. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped celery and onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Assembling the Ultimate Bake:
- Combine Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, chopped apples, fresh sage, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. Gently toss to combine.
- Add the Liquid Gold: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and sausage mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the bread is moistened. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through and crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
How to Serve Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
Serve your Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake proudly alongside traditional holiday fare like roasted turkey, ham, or other festive roasts. This dish also makes an excellent accompaniment to weeknight meals such as roasted chicken or simple turkey chops. For a unique breakfast or brunch twist, serve any leftovers with a perfectly poached egg.
How to Store Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
Store leftover Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for quicker heating.
Tips to Make Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake
- Don’t Skimp on the Stale Bread: Ensure your bread is truly stale and dry. This allows it to absorb the liquids without becoming mushy, leading to a perfectly textured stuffing. If your bread isn’t stale, you can quickly dry it in a low oven.
- The Right Sausage Makes a Difference: Choose a high-quality bulk turkey sausage. Whether you prefer mild or hot Italian turkey sausage, or a savory flavor like sage breakfast sausage, good sausage is crucial for the overall flavor.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste your stuffing mixture before baking. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A properly seasoned dish is a delicious dish.
- Prevent Dryness: If your stuffing looks a little dry as it bakes, you can drizzle a small amount of warm chicken or vegetable broth over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Delicious Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheesy Indulgence: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese with the prepared ingredients for a creamy twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts along with the bread for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, use hot Italian turkey sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage and aromatics.
- Herbaceous Wonders: Experiment with different fresh herb combinations. Try adding finely chopped parsley or additional sage for a stronger herbal note.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread.
FAQs
Can I make this Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What kind of apples are best for an Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake?
Firmer, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully in this Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake. They hold their shape during baking and provide a lovely counterpoint to the savory sausage.
My Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake seems a little dry. What can I do?
This sometimes happens if your bread was too dry initially or if it baked too long. You can try adding a splash more warm broth to the stuffing mixture before baking, or if it’s already baked, you can lightly pour warm broth over the top before serving.
Hearty Apple & Sage Sausage Stuffing Bake
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Large Skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Bowl
- 9x13 Inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound stale baguette or rustic white bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 pound bulk mild Italian turkey sausage
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), spread bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toast for 15-20 minutes until dried.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet, brown turkey sausage, drain fat, then add celery and onion and cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, chopped apples, and fresh herbs; toss gently.
- Whisk together chicken broth, melted butter, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Pour the liquid over the bread and sausage mixture, folding gently until the bread is moistened, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving.