Apple Sausage Stuffing
User Reviews
5
Apple Sausage Stuffing
Description
This dish begins with browning Italian sausage before adding sautéed onion, celery, and seasoning with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and thyme. Diced apples and dried cranberries are stirred in to add sweetness and texture contrasts. Meanwhile, seasoned stuffing mix is softened with warm chicken broth and cubed butter to hydrate the bread base.
Combining the sausage mixture with the prepared stuffing creates a flavorful blend of moist stuffing studded with juicy apple pieces and tart cranberries, balanced by savory sausage and aromatic herbs. Baking the mixture in a greased dish at 400°F yields a crisp golden top layer while the interior remains moist and tender.
The recipe accommodates variations in apple type and sausage flavor to suit preference, with suggested additions like mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture. It can be assembled up to two days in advance and refrigerated, then baked fresh when ready. Leftovers keep well refrigerated in airtight containers for several days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild
- 1 yellow onion chopped, medium
- 3 celery chopped, stalks
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 2 cups apples diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz stuffing mix seasoned, cubed, bagged
- 6 Tablespoons butter at room temperature, unsalted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, celery, and seasonings to the sausage and sauté until onions are clear and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the apples and dried cranberries.
- Heat the chicken broth in the microwave for 2 minutes.
- Pour the stuffing mix into a large mixing bowl and add the cubed butter and the warm chicken broth. Set aside and let the stuffing absorb the liquid for about five minutes.
- Combine the sausage mixture with the stuffing and stir, then spread mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Sweet apples like Gala are recommended over tart varieties like Granny Smith; peeling apples is optional.
- Any brand of seasoned stuffing mix can be used; Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned is suggested.
- Mild Italian sausage is preferred, but other sausage flavors are acceptable.
- Optional additions include sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Stuffing mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking; bring to room temperature before baking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 512 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 512kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1285mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 389mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 296IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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