Apple Sausage Stuffing
This delicious Apple Sausage Stuffing is perfect for the holidays. Italian sausage, crunchy apples, and tart cranberries take this classic savory side dish to the next level.
For more delicious holiday side dish recipes, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Glazed Carrots, Roasted Acorn Squash, and Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole.
A holiday dinner spread just isn’t complete without the stuffing, or “dressing” if you call it that instead!
And if the plain Jane traditional stuffing isn’t quite what you’re looking for this year, then you will love this savory and super flavorful Apple Sausage Stuffing. It’s so delicious and pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham!
There is also plenty of room for versatility in this recipe. If the apples or cranberries don’t work for you, feel free to leave them out. You can also add in some sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts if that’s more your speed.
Ingredients for Apple Sausage Stuffing
- cubed herb seasoned stuffing
- unsalted butter
- chicken broth
- yellow onion
- celery
- dried cranberries
- apples
- Italian sausage
- Italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- dried thyme
How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffing – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook Italian Sausage and Vegetables
Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, celery, and seasonings to the sausage and sauté until onions are clear and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Fruit
Remove skillet from the heat and stir in the apples and dried cranberries.
Step 4: Heat the Chicken Broth
Heat the chicken broth in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Sausage Stuffing
Pour the stuffing mix into a large mixing bowl and add the cubed butter and the warm chicken broth. Set aside and let the stuffing absorb the liquid, about five minutes.
Step 6: Mix Ingredients
Combine the sausage mixture with the stuffing and stir, then spread mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your apple sausage stuffing for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips and Notes
- What type of apples to use: I used Gala apples in this recipe but feel free to use any type of sweet apple. I would avoid Granny Smith. You can also peel your apples before dicing if you’d prefer, but I left the peel on my apples for this recipe.
- What brand of stuffing to use: I used Pepperridge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing mix, but any brand of stuffing can be used.
- What type of sausage to use: I prefer mild Italian sausage in this apple sausage stuffing recipe, but feel free to use any flavor that you would like.
- Substitutions and Omissions: If you don’t like the addition of the apples or cranberries, feel free to omit them. Sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts would also make great additions for more flavor or texture if you like either of those.
Can this Apple Sausage Stuffing be made ahead of time?
Yes! Make the stuffing according to the recipe directions through step six, then cover and store in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time. When you are ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let the dish sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Bake as directed in step seven.
How do I store leftover stuffing?
Any leftover apple sausage stuffing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
More Thanksgiving Recipes You Might Enjoy!
Recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz bag of seasoned cubed stuffing mix
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, celery, and seasonings to the sausage and sauté until onions are clear and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the apples and dried cranberries.
- Heat the chicken broth in the microwave for 2 minutes.
- Pour the stuffing mix into a large mixing bowl and add the cubed butter and the warm chicken broth. Set aside and let the stuffing absorb the liquid for about five minutes.
- Combine the sausage mixture with the stuffing and stir, then spread mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- What type of apples to use: I used Gala apples in this recipe but feel free to use any type of sweet apple. I would avoid Granny Smith. You can also peel your apples before dicing if you'd prefer, but I left the peel on my apples for this recipe.
- What brand of stuffing to use: I used Pepperridge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing mix, but any brand of stuffing can be used.
- What type of sausage to use: I prefer mild Italian sausage in this recipe, but feel free to use any flavor that you would like.
- Substitutions and Omissions: If you don't like the addition of the apples or cranberries, feel free to omit them. Sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts would also make great additions for more flavor or texture if you like either of those.
- Making in advance: Make the stuffing according to the recipe directions through step six, then cover and store in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time. When you are ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let the dish sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Bake as directed in step seven.
- Storing leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Have you tried making this recipe with fresh cranberries?
Hi Andrea, I have not tried it with fresh ones. If you try it, let us know how it turns out.
This looks heavenly! I would definitely try this one!
Absolutely fantastic! Adding on our must make list!
I can’t wait to make this! I love stuffing so much that I make it throughout the year. This looks like a winner.
This was great. I added a bit more chicken broth halfway through.
I made this for Friendsgiving and everyone loved it, even those who said they don’t normally like stuffing. Thank you for a great recipe!
Ok apples are my favourite thing ever. I’m definitely making this for myself – even though I’m Canadian and our thanksgiving is lost past.
This sounds amazing! I’m not a fan of regular dressing, but if you throw in some cranberries I’m all in! Cranberries and Apples sound amazing…along with the sausage!
I could eat the entire pan myself! Stuffing is my favorite, and I love your added apples to this!
oh my gosh yumm!! i need to try making this stuffing is my fav!!! I never thought of putting meat in it!
Apple and sausage? This looks interesting to try. Soon!
Oh yes! This is perfect, I wish we celebrated here because I want to try it
My family loved this stuffing! Will definitely make again.