Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 450 mg
Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that come together to create a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is sure to impress everyone at the table. The combination of juicy sausage, tart cranberries, and crisp apples adds depth and texture, making each bite a burst of flavor. The aroma of herbs and spices wafting through your kitchen as this dish bakes will have everyone eagerly anticipating a hearty meal.
Why Make This Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
This stuffing elevates the classic dish with the addition of cranberries and apples, bringing a festive touch to your table. The sweetness of the apples perfectly balances the savory sausage, and the dried cranberries add a delightful tartness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish for Thanksgiving or a holiday feast, yet simple enough to enjoy on a regular weeknight. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover bread, and the recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old)
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
### Step 1: Cooking the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. This step adds a rich, savory base to your stuffing.
### Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables and Apples
In the same skillet, add the chopped celery, onion, and diced apples. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant. This mixture adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor to the stuffing.
### Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir in the dried cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to infuse the herbs and spices into the vegetables and fruits. This is where the stuffing really starts to come together.
### Step 4: Mixing with Bread
In a large bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the bread cubes. Slowly add chicken broth until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful and juicy without being too wet.
### Step 5: Baking
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and dot the top with butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. This golden crust adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft stuffing underneath.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
Serve this stuffing warm, directly from the oven, as a side dish alongside your favorite roasted meats, like turkey or pork. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a comforting family meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finishing touch.
How to Store Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
To store leftover stuffing, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread works best, as it holds up better during the moisture absorption process. If you don’t have day-old bread, lightly toast fresh bread cubes before mixing them in.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or parsley, based on your preferences.
- Meat Options: If you want a leaner option, turkey sausage is a great substitute for traditional sausage.
- Broth: Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth can be a great alternative.
- Add-In: Consider mixing in nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- Fruit Mix: Swap cranberries with raisins or add in walnuts for extra texture.
- Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mixture for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this stuffing in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it. Just make sure to add a little more broth when you bake it to keep it moist.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will be much tartier. If you do, consider increasing the sugar to balance the tartness.
3. How do I make the stuffing gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure that the sausage and broth are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I cook the stuffing inside the turkey?
Yes, this stuffing can be cooked inside a turkey. Just make sure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. What can I do if my stuffing turns out too dry?
If your stuffing is dry, drizzle some extra broth over it after baking and cover it with foil. Return it to the oven to warm through.
Conclusion
Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of the flavors of the season wrapped up in a warm, cozy dish. The sweet and savory combination will leave your taste buds dancing and your kitchen smelling heavenly. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this stuffing recipe creates a perfect blend of flavors that everyone will adore. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of preparing this crowd-pleaser for your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A delightful blend of savory sausage, tart cranberries, and crisp apples, this stuffing is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old)
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped celery, onion, and diced apples. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the bread cubes. Slowly add chicken broth until moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and dot the top with butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best results. You can adjust herbs and use turkey sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian version can use sautéed mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
