This Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for gatherings. It mixes savory sausage with sweet apples and fresh sage for a delightful flavor combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: Use French or sourdough for good texture. If gluten-free, consider gluten-free bread or cornbread. Stale bread works best, so save some from earlier in the week!
Sausage: Italian sausage is ideal here. If you want it leaner, turkey sausage is a fine substitute. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or skip the sausage altogether and add more veggies.
Apple: Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for a fun flavor twist. Pears can also work well as a substitute!
Sage: This herb is key for that classic stuffing taste. If you can’t find fresh sage, dried sage will work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon since dried is more potent.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Is Moist but Not Soggy?
Getting the right moisture level is essential! Start by gradually adding the chicken broth. Don’t dump it all at once—stir gently after each addition. A good rule of thumb is to moisten the mixture until it feels slightly damp but holds together without being mushy.
- For best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs moisture better. Fresh bread could make it soggy.
- Adjust broth based on the bread type; denser breads may need less liquid, while lighter breads soak more up.
- Lastly, remember to taste as you go! This helps you adjust seasoning and moisture to your liking.
How to Make Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (such as French or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage (mild or sweet Italian sausage), casings removed
- 1 large apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (adjust as needed for moisture)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional, helps bind stuffing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour of cooking time (30 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered). So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 20 minutes to make this delicious stuffing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grab a baking sheet and spread the cubed bread on it. Place the sheet in the oven and toast the bread until it becomes dry and golden, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet but leave the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for around 5-6 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
4. Mix in the Apples and Herbs:
Next, add the diced apples, chopped sage, and thyme. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, just until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape. Give it a little seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the apple-vegetable mixture. Gently toss it all together to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
6. Add Broth and Egg (If Using):
Now it’s time to moisten your stuffing! Slowly add chicken broth in half-cup increments, stirring gently after each addition until the mixture is evenly damp but not soaking wet. If you’d like, stir in the beaten egg here to help bind everything nicely.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Get your buttered 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size) ready. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly. For a pretty touch, tuck a few fresh sage leaves on top.
8. Bake the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this flavorful, fragrant, and comforting Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing as a perfect side to your holiday or family meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While crusty bread works best, you can use any bread you prefer, such as cornbread, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the type of bread.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with additional vegetables like mushrooms, extra apples, or nuts for added texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Assemble it up to the baking step and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. You can also add a splash of broth to moisten it again if it feels a bit dry!
