Introduction

Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Apples is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of fall flavors — savory sausage, sweet-tart apples, aromatic herbs, and soft, buttery bread. This stuffing is rich in texture and taste, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family meal, this stuffing can be served alongside roast poultry, pork, or even as a standalone vegetarian-friendly version with plant-based sausage. The addition of apples adds natural sweetness and a juicy bite, while herbs like sage and thyme bring an earthy aroma that fills your kitchen.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, hearty, and full of layered flavors. The combination of savory sausage, tender apples, and crisp-topped bread makes it a crowd-pleaser.

It’s one of those dishes that smells incredible as it bakes and tastes even better. The textures — soft and moist interior with slightly crisp edges — are perfect. Plus, the natural sweetness of apples complements the savory sausage beautifully, giving it a depth that is hard to resist.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Savory & Sweet: Sausage and apples create a perfect flavor balance.
Comfort Food Classic: Soft, buttery, and full of herbs.
Holiday Essential: Perfect for Thanksgiving or special dinners.
Aromatic & Flavorful: Sage, thyme, and onions elevate the dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Course: Side Dish / Holiday Dish

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey), casings removed
1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (~10 cups)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2–2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 large egg, beaten
Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook sausage in a skillet until browned.
Sauté onions, celery, garlic, and apples in butter until soft.
Mix sausage, vegetables, herbs, and bread cubes in a large bowl.
Add broth and beaten egg; toss gently to combine.
Bake in a greased dish at 350°F (175°C) until golden and heated through (~35–40 minutes).

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Bread Cubes

Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry slightly.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Apples

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in diced apples, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2–3 minutes until apples slightly soften.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables and apples.

Step 5: Add Broth and Egg

Pour 2–2 ½ cups broth over the mixture. Add the beaten egg and toss gently to combine. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Adjust broth if needed.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm alongside your main course.

How to Serve

Perfect as a side dish for roast turkey, chicken, or pork.
Can be served family-style in a casserole dish or portioned individually.
Pair with gravy or cranberry sauce for a classic holiday plate.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use day-old or slightly stale bread — it absorbs flavors better without becoming mushy.
Cook sausage and vegetables separately for more defined flavors.
Toast the bread cubes lightly to help maintain a slightly crisp texture.
For extra richness, dot the top with butter before baking.
Adjust apple variety based on desired sweetness — Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for mild sweetness.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms in place of sausage.
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Cranberry Apple Stuffing: Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart-sweet flavor.
Sausage & Herb Mix: Experiment with sage, thyme, or rosemary variations based on preference.
Cheesy Stuffing: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère over the top before baking.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooked stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to maintain moisture, uncover last 5 minutes for crisp topping.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet for cooking sausage and vegetables
9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, but slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents sogginess.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace sausage with mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or extra vegetables.

Q4: How do I keep the top crispy?
Bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to crisp the top.

Q5: Can I add more herbs or spices?
Yes, fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, or parsley enhance flavor. Adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Apples is a rich, comforting, and flavorful side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory. It’s ideal for holiday tables or cozy dinners, with tender bread, juicy sausage, aromatic herbs, and sweet-tart apples.

Whether served with roast turkey, chicken, or pork, this stuffing is guaranteed to become a favorite, bringing warmth, flavor, and a touch of autumn magic to every meal.