Apple And Sausage Stuffing
A savory stuffing combining tender sausage, smoky bacon, sweet apples, and earthy mushrooms, perfect for holiday poultry or as a flavorful side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. brown and serve sausage links ⓘ
- 1 c. diced bacon ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 apples, cored and diced ⓘ
- 1 c. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 loaf firm white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry sausage links and bacon until crisp and brown.
- Remove sausages, cut into 1-inch pieces, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, celery, mushrooms, apples, parsley, sage, and thyme; sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in bread cubes and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff chicken or turkey with the mixture or transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the apples with pears for a different flavor profile. You can also use turkey sausage for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the sausage and bacon with sautéed tempeh or mushrooms. Adding dried cranberries or raisins can also enhance the sweetness and texture of the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious stuffing alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a classic holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with Maple Glazed Chicken for a delightful contrast of flavors. Consider adding a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple And Sausage Stuffing contains roughly 746 calories, with 14g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1486mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
A firm white bread is ideal as it holds up well when combined with the broth without becoming mushy. However, you can also use sourdough or whole wheat bread for added flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the liquid better.
Can I freeze the stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffing before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the stuffing, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If already baked, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).