Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe – Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Warm, savory, and perfectly balanced with sweet autumn flavors, Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate holiday side dish that steals the spotlight at any feast. This irresistible stuffing combines crispy toasted bread cubes with savory pork sausage, sweet caramelized apples, aromatic herbs, and sautéed vegetables, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with the comforting scents of the season and has everyone eagerly waiting for dinner.

Each spoonful delivers a satisfying combination of textures—crispy edges, soft and moist centers, tender sausage, and sweet apple pieces that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving comfort food on a chilly evening, this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe is as simple to make as it is delicious. Customize it with your favorite additions like dried cranberries, toasted pecans, fresh sage, or extra herbs for a colorful, personalized side dish that feels like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe

• Perfect sweet and savory balance: The combination of apples and sausage creates an irresistible flavor harmony that everyone loves.
• Holiday table showstopper: This Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe looks impressive and tastes even better—guaranteed to get compliments.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare everything in advance and bake when ready, making holiday hosting stress-free.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adjust ingredients, swap bread types, or add your favorite mix-ins for endless variations.
• Feeds a crowd: One pan serves 10-12 people generously, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch or larger)
This is your main vessel. A deep dish ensures even baking and provides space for all the ingredients without overcrowding.

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
Essential for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables. A 12-inch pan gives you plenty of room to work.

Large Mixing Bowl
You’ll need this for combining all your ingredients—the bread, sausage, apples, and seasonings before transferring to the baking dish.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For chopping bread, dicing apples, slicing onions and celery, and mincing fresh herbs.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Perfect for stirring, breaking up sausage, and tossing all the ingredients together evenly.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision helps—especially for broth, butter, and seasonings to get that perfect moisture level.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes preparing this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

• Dry out your bread the night before—stale bread absorbs the broth better and prevents mushy stuffing. Cube and leave uncovered overnight.
• Toast bread cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 300°F for extra crispy texture and deeper flavor.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance the richness perfectly.
• Don’t skip browning the sausage well—those caramelized bits add incredible depth to your Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe.
• Add broth gradually and test moisture—you want moist stuffing, not soggy. The bread should be damp but not swimming.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the flavors settle and the stuffing firms up for easier serving.

These small touches make a big difference in creating the perfect texture and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for This Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious, crowd-pleasing stuffing to life. Most ingredients are accessible at any grocery store, making this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe both convenient and affordable.

For the Stuffing Base:

• 1 lb (16 oz) loaf of crusty bread (French, sourdough, or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb ground pork sausage (mild or spiced, your preference)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Seasonings & Liquid:

• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
• ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for extra sweetness)
• ½ cup golden raisins
• Extra butter for dotting on top

Everything in this list balances texture and flavor—the sweet apples complement the savory sausage beautifully while the herbs add aromatic depth. The optional additions give you creative freedom to make this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe uniquely yours.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cubes are lightly golden and dried out. Remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for baking later.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, about 7-8 minutes, until no pink remains and it develops nice caramelized bits. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to the bowl with the bread cubes, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Apples

In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened and beginning to turn golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the diced apples to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften slightly but still hold their shape. Sprinkle in the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, stirring to coat everything evenly with the aromatic herbs.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Pour the apple and vegetable mixture over the bread and sausage in the large mixing bowl. Add any optional ingredients like dried cranberries or pecans if using. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly.

In a separate measuring cup, combine the warm chicken broth and apple cider. Gradually pour the liquid over the bread mixture, tossing gently as you go. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure every piece of bread is moistened. The mixture should be moist but not soggy—you may not need all the liquid.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with the remaining tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes covered. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy while the inside remains moist.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm alongside your favorite holiday main dishes.

Notes

Bread Selection: Day-old bread works best for this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it gets too mushy. Crusty artisan loaves provide the best texture.

Sausage Variations: Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage all work wonderfully. For vegetarian versions, use plant-based sausage crumbles.

Apple Choices: Tart apples like Granny Smith prevent the stuffing from becoming too sweet, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add pleasant sweetness and hold up well during baking.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh, soft bread: Fresh bread becomes mushy and doesn’t hold its structure. Always use dried or toasted bread cubes for best results.
• Adding too much liquid at once: This is the biggest mistake. Add broth gradually and stop when the bread is moistened—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Not browning the sausage properly: Pale, steamed sausage lacks flavor. Take time to get good caramelization for maximum taste.
• Cutting apples too small: Tiny apple pieces disappear into the stuffing. Keep them in ½-inch cubes so they maintain presence and texture.
• Skipping the foil cover: Baking uncovered the entire time dries out the stuffing. Cover first, then uncover to crisp the top.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Stuffing needs room for heat circulation. Use a large enough dish or split between two smaller ones.
• Not seasoning adequately: Bread absorbs a lot of flavor. Don’t be shy with herbs and salt—taste and adjust before baking.
• Serving immediately from oven: Resting time allows the stuffing to set and makes serving much cleaner and easier.

What to Serve With Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe?

This hearty and flavorful stuffing pairs beautifully with traditional holiday mains and sides. Whether you’re planning a full Thanksgiving spread or a cozy Sunday dinner, there’s a perfect companion dish.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Roast Turkey or Chicken
Classic pairing—the herbs and apples in the stuffing complement roasted poultry perfectly.

Honey Glazed Ham
The sweet and salty ham pairs wonderfully with the apple-forward flavors in this stuffing.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes balance the texture and provide comfort food harmony.

Green Bean Casserole
Creamy green beans with crispy onions add a traditional holiday side that everyone loves.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Caramelized sprouts and smoky bacon bring depth and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce
Tart, sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the richness and adds a pop of vibrant color.

Sweet Potato Casserole
The natural sweetness complements the apples while adding another layer of autumn flavor.

Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crisp (for dessert)
Keep the apple and autumn theme going with a warm, spiced dessert that rounds out the feast.

These pairings help create a complete, memorable holiday meal that showcases your Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe.

Storage Instructions

This Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe stores beautifully and tastes just as good reheated—perfect for enjoying leftovers or making ahead.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled stuffing into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Add a few tablespoons of broth if it seems dry. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	380
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugar	12g
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	6g
Unsaturated Fat	10g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	780mg

This stuffing delivers a hearty balance of flavors and nutrients—perfect for a satisfying holiday side dish that complements any main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the stuffing completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it’s starting cold.

2. Can I stuff this inside my turkey?
While you can, we recommend baking it separately for food safety and even cooking. Stuffing inside the bird takes much longer to reach safe temperature and can result in overcooked turkey.

3. Is this stuffing sweet?
It has a balanced sweet-savory profile. The apples add natural sweetness, but the sausage, herbs, and broth keep it savory overall. Adjust sugar or apple quantity to your taste.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or add more mushrooms and nuts for heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. What if my stuffing is too dry?
Simply drizzle more warm broth over the top before or during baking. Cover with foil and the moisture will redistribute throughout.

6. Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! Cornbread, whole wheat, rye, or even croissants create delicious variations. Each brings unique flavor and texture to the dish.

7. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown and crispy, and a thermometer inserted in the center should read 165°F. The edges will be crispy while the center stays moist.

8. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a large roasting pan or two 9×13-inch dishes. Baking time remains approximately the same since depth is similar.

Conclusion

Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate combination of sweet autumn apples and savory herbed sausage—all baked into one irresistible holiday side dish. With its perfect balance of crispy edges and moist, flavorful center, it’s everything you love about traditional stuffing with an elevated twist that makes it memorable.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any special gathering, this Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with make-ahead convenience and endless customization options, it fits seamlessly into your holiday menu planning. So grab your baking dish and make this stuffing the star of your next feast.