Irresistible Sausage Apple Stuffing Recipe for 12 Perfect Occasions

Name: Irresistible Sausage Apple Stuffing Recipe for 12 Perfect Occasions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground sausage; 2 cups diced apples; 4 cups bread cubes; 1 cup chopped onions; 1 cup chopped celery; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried sage

Author: lia

Published: November 6, 2025

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Let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday side dish – Sausage Apple Stuffing. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone go back for seconds (and thirds!). I first made it years ago when I was trying to jazz up a traditional stuffing, and wow, did it hit the spot. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet, tender apples, creating this incredible balance of flavors that feels cozy and festive all at once. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Sunday dinner, this stuffing has become a must-have on our table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a family tradition for us.

Sausage Apple Stuffing - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Apple Stuffing

This stuffing isn’t just good—it’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe. Here’s why it’s a winner every time:

The flavor combo is unreal: Savory sausage and sweet apples? Magic. The little bursts of fruit balance the richness perfectly.
So easy to throw together: If you can brown meat and stir ingredients, you’ve got this. No fancy techniques needed.
Works for any occasion: Holiday centerpiece? Check. Cozy Sunday supper side? Double check. It’s always the right move.
Makes the house smell amazing: That aroma of sausage, apples, and sage baking? Pure comfort in scent form.

Seriously, this stuffing turns ordinary meals into something special. I’ve lost count of how many times it’s saved my holiday menus!

Ingredients for Sausage Apple Stuffing

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle with this stuffing – trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that shortcuts just don’t taste the same! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this dish shine:

1 lb ground sausage: I prefer mild pork sausage, but hot works if you like a kick
2 cups diced apples: Go for firm varieties like Granny Smith – they hold their shape beautifully
4 cups bread cubes: Day-old French or sourdough adds great texture
1 cup chopped onions and 1 cup chopped celery: The classic flavor base
2 cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful
1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried sage: Simple seasonings that make all the difference

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start cooking – it makes the process so much smoother when you’re in the zone!

How to Make Sausage Apple Stuffing

Okay, let’s get cooking! This stuffing comes together in a flash once you’ve got everything prepped. First things first – crank that oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, grab your favorite big skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and brown that sausage over medium heat. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks – you want nice little crumbles, not big chunks. Once it’s beautifully browned (about 5-7 minutes), drain off any excess grease – but leave just enough to cook the veggies!

Sausage Apple Stuffing - detail 2

Now toss in your onions and celery. This is where the magic starts – that sizzle! Cook them until they’re softened but still have a bit of crunch, about 4-5 minutes. The smell at this point? Heavenly. Next, stir in those gorgeous apple cubes and bread cubes. I like to give everything a good mix right in the skillet before adding the seasonings – salt, pepper, and that essential sage. The sage makes it taste like the holidays, doesn’t it?

Here’s the key step: slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring gently. You want everything evenly moist but not soggy. Transfer this beautiful mixture to a greased baking dish (I use a 9×13), cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 15 minutes to get that perfect golden top. The waiting is the hardest part!

Tips for Perfect Sausage Apple Stuffing

After making this dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks: First, use firm apples – Granny Smiths are my go-to because they keep their shape. Second, for a festive twist, toss in a handful of dried cranberries with the apples. And here’s my secret – make it the day before! Just underbake it slightly, then reheat before serving. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Every ingredient here plays a special role, but I get it – sometimes you need to swap things out! The pork sausage gives that rich, savory depth, but turkey sausage works great if you want it lighter. Gluten-free bread cubes? No problem – just pick a sturdy variety. And about those apples – firm ones like Granny Smith hold up best, but Honeycrisp add extra sweetness if that’s your jam. The beauty of this recipe? It’s forgiving while still tasting amazing.

What to Serve with Your Sausage Apple Stuffing

This stuffing practically begs to be the star of your holiday spread! My absolute favorite way to serve it? Alongside a golden roasted turkey – the sweet apples in the stuffing complement the savory bird perfectly. But don’t stop there! For a full feast, add creamy mashed potatoes (extra gravy, please!) and roasted green beans with almonds. It also pairs beautifully with honey-glazed carrots or a crisp winter salad. Honestly, I’ve been known to eat big spoonfuls straight from the baking dish when no one’s looking – that’s how good it is on its own too!

Sausage Apple Stuffing - detail 3

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the beautiful thing about this stuffing – it might taste even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got options: reheat individual portions in the microwave (about 60 seconds does the trick) or crisp up the whole batch in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If it seems dry, just sprinkle a tablespoon or two of broth over top before reheating – good as new!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, each serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious stuffing has roughly 250 calories. Keep in mind these numbers can change depending on your specific ingredients and brands – my calculations are based on using regular pork sausage and white bread. But let’s be honest, when it tastes this good, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Apple Stuffing

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often! “Can I use a different sausage?” Absolutely! I love pork, but turkey or chicken sausage work great too. “Can I make it ahead?” Oh yes – in fact, I recommend it! Just underbake slightly, cool, and refrigerate overnight. Reheat covered for 20 minutes before serving. “What if I don’t have fresh sage?” No worries – ½ tsp of poultry seasoning makes a fine substitute. And “Can I freeze leftovers?” You bet – they’ll keep for 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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