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If you are looking for a festive, flavorful, and utterly comforting side dish to elevate your holiday table or any cozy dinner, this Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with the savory richness of ground sausage, a burst of tart and sweet from fresh cranberries and diced apple, and herbaceous notes that tie it all together, this stuffing brings together classic autumn ingredients into one irresistible casserole. Its balance of textures—from tender bread cubes soaking up fragrant chicken stock to the juicy pop of cranberries—makes it a standout crowd-pleaser that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe is simple yet essential, playing a unique role in building the dish’s deeply satisfying flavor, delightful texture, and beautiful color that make it so memorable.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base and helps soften the aromatics for an inviting start.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth when sautéed until tender.
- Celery Stalks: Contribute a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- Ground Sausage: Brings hearty, juicy flavor and a touch of spice that defines the stuffing.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors in the dish perfectly.
- Fresh Sage and Rosemary: These fragrant herbs infuse the stuffing with warm, earthiness and a hint of pine-like brightness.
- Apple: Adds a sweet, crisp contrast that complements both sausage and cranberries beautifully.
- Fresh Cranberries: Provide a vibrant tartness and striking pops of color for a festive look and flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Moistens the bread cubes while adding savory depth without overpowering the stuffing.
- Bread Cubes: The hearty foundation that soaks up all the wonderful flavors and juices.
How to Make Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Prep Some More
Start your cozy creation by preheating the oven to 350º F and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This sets the stage perfectly for cooking your stuffing evenly and ensures it won’t stick, helping you achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics to Perfection
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion and celery. Sauté these until they turn tender and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This foundational step builds a luscious flavor base that makes the stuffing sing.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Add the ground sausage right into the center of your skillet. Crumble it with your spatula and cook until all the pink has disappeared, roughly 8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the stuffing from getting soggy, while locking in that meaty goodness.
Step 4: Mix in Flavorful Herbs and Fruit
Stir in kosher salt, chopped fresh sage, and rosemary for an aromatic boost. Then add the diced apple, fresh cranberries, and chicken stock. Let this mixture cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cranberries begin to pop—releasing their tart juices for that signature flavor punch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Place your bread cubes into the greased casserole dish, then pour the skillet contents over them. Toss everything gently so each piece is nicely coated with that herby, fruity sausage blend. This step locks in moisture and flavor so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the bread to soften without drying out. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes to crisp the top beautifully. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so the stuffing sets up just right.
How to Serve Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra chopped sage on top before serving. This fresh green pop not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbal note that complements the warm stuffing flavors.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a juicy pork loin. Complement it with simple sides like maple-glazed carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, or green beans almondine for a harmonious feast that celebrates all things fall.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe in individual mini ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. You can also stuff it inside hollowed-out apples or acorn squash for an unexpected twist that’s as delightful to see as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked stuffing by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for making ahead during busy holidays or for future comforting meals.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the stuffing covered with foil at 350º F until piping hot, about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake a few more minutes to restore some crispness. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick, cozy fix.
FAQs
Can I use leftover bread for this Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale or day-old bread works wonderfully as it soaks up the flavorful liquids better without becoming mushy, giving your stuffing the perfect texture.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
A mild or sweet Italian sausage works beautifully, but if you like a little heat, spicy sausage adds an exciting kick. Choose whichever suits your taste buds best.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add extra herbs and perhaps some toasted nuts for protein and texture.
Do I have to use fresh cranberries and apples?
Fresh ingredients are ideal for their vibrant flavors and texture, but dried cranberries and finely chopped apples can work in a pinch. Just adjust moisture levels accordingly.
How far in advance can I prepare this stuffing?
You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. This makes meal day stress-free and allows flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite dishes to share at the table because it brings together a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make every bite special. It’s simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration yet impressive enough to wow guests. I truly encourage you to try it for your next meal and enjoy all the cozy, vibrant goodness this stuffing has to offer!
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Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a festive and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners. It combines savory ground sausage, fresh sage and rosemary, sweet diced apples, and tart cranberries with hearty bread cubes, all baked together to create a moist and aromatic stuffing that complements any roast.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Meat & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound ground sausage
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken stock
Other
- 12 ounces bread cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350º F (175º C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prepare it for the stuffing.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sliced celery, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground sausage to the center of the pan. Crumble it as it cooks, continuing until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess liquids to keep the stuffing from becoming soggy.
- Add Flavorings and Fruit: Stir in the kosher salt, fresh sage, fresh rosemary, diced apple, fresh cranberries, and chicken stock. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cranberries begin to pop, releasing their tart juice.
- Combine with Bread Cubes: Place the bread cubes into the greased casserole dish. Pour the sausage and fruit mixture over the bread cubes, then toss everything together until well combined and the bread is evenly coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb moisture.
- Bake Uncovered and Rest: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes to achieve a slightly crisp top. Remove from the oven and allow the stuffing to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to set flavors.
Notes
- You can use day-old bread for better texture absorption.
- Adjust the amount of sage and rosemary to your taste preference.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Use a mix of sourdough and white bread cubes for more depth of flavor.
- Leftover stuffing can be reheated in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
