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Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Apple served in a baking dish.

Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

Celebrate the holiday with a comforting and flavorful stuffing made with sausage and apple, featuring crispy edges and a moist interior without being soggy.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Base
  • 10 cups cubed sturdy bread (sourdough, French bread, or hearty white loaf) Dry it out overnight or bake until dry but not toasted.
Sausage & Vegetables
  • 1 pound pork breakfast sausage Italian sausage can be used for extra spice.
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced firm apple (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady) Soft apples can disappear in the stuffing.
  • 1 stick butter Adds richness and helps the top get golden.
Herbs and Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage Finely chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Finely chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Season to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Season to taste.
Liquids & Binder
  • 4 cups warm turkey or chicken broth Add slowly to moisten the bread but not make it soggy.
  • 2 large eggs Beaten, helps the stuffing set.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dry out the bread by cubing it and leaving it out overnight or baking at 300°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. In a big skillet, brown the sausage until done, then scoop it into a bowl, leaving some drippings in the pan.
  3. Cook the onion and celery in the same skillet, adding butter if necessary, until soft. Add the apple and cook for a few minutes until it softens slightly.
  4. Stir in the sage and thyme, letting them warm for about 30 seconds.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sausage, and veggie-apple mixture.
  6. Slowly pour in the warm broth, tossing as you go to moisten the bread without over-saturating it.
  7. Beat the eggs separately, then fold them into the mixture.
Baking
  1. Spread the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
  2. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Notes

You can prepare the bread and mix-ins up to 2 days in advance. For proper moisture, keep warm broth on hand just in case.