Sausage Stuffed Baked Apples
Sausage stuffed baked apples offer a savory-sweet combination with tender apples, flavorful sausage, and aromatic spices, perfect for brunch or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Core apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Enlarge the hole with a knife to make a space about 2 inches deep and 2 inches across.
- Saute onions, celery, chopped apple, and sausage until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Add raisins and 1/2 cup apple concentrate, bring to a boil.
- Cook over high heat until the liquid thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Divide the filling among the apples and place them in an 8 x 8 x 2-inch or larger baking dish.
- Mix the remaining concentrate with 1/2 cup water and pour it into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting often.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or sage to the sausage mixture. If you don't have baking apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great substitutes. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts for extra texture or using apple cider instead of juice concentrate. Make sure to baste the apples occasionally to keep them moist while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage stuffed baked apples warm as a comforting main dish or a hearty side. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a special touch, consider drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup on top before serving. They also complement nicely with flavors from dishes like Venison Loin With A Spanish Twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps to maintain their moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Stuffed Baked Apples contains roughly 12 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have apple juice concentrate?
If apple juice concentrate is unavailable, you can use regular apple juice or even apple cider. Just reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess liquid, and consider adding a bit of brown sugar to enhance sweetness.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Core the apples and stuff them just before baking for the best texture. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the apples fresh.
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).