Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

Introduction

Every year, Thanksgiving dinner comes with a lot of excitement but also a bit of stress. Between preparing the turkey, the mashed potatoes, and all the sides, it can sometimes feel like there’s not enough time (or hands) to get everything done. That’s why Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is such a game-changer. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our house, thanks to its savory and slightly sweet flavor, and the fact that it takes the pressure off by cooking itself in the crockpot. The combination of sausage and apples makes for a hearty and flavorful stuffing that’s a perfect complement to the rest of your Thanksgiving spread.

The first time I made this dish, I was amazed at how easy it was to assemble. The sausage adds richness, while the apples contribute just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors perfectly. The stuffing comes out soft and moist, with a slight crispiness around the edges, just like you want in a Thanksgiving stuffing. My family loved it and has asked me to make it every year since. The crockpot method is particularly great because it frees up valuable oven space and allows me to focus on other dishes. Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner or just want a stress-free side dish, this crockpot stuffing is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple combines all the best flavors of Thanksgiving into one easy, hands-off dish. The crockpot makes the process simple, while the combination of sausage, apples, and poultry seasoning results in a stuffing that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Hands-off cooking: You can set it and forget it. The crockpot does all the work while you focus on other dishes.
2. Flavor-packed: The savory sausage paired with the sweetness of apples creates a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
3. Perfect texture: This stuffing has the ideal balance of soft and crispy. The edges crisp up just the right amount while the inside stays perfectly moist.
4. Easy to make: With only a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this stuffing is quick to assemble and doesn’t require a lot of attention during cooking.
5. Feeds a crowd: This recipe serves 10, making it perfect for large holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once done, remove from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery for about 5 minutes, or until softened. The leftover bits of sausage in the pan will infuse the vegetables with flavor, adding depth to your stuffing.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and celery, chopped apples, toasted bread cubes, chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
   Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The stuffing is ready when it’s heated through and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve:
   Once the stuffing is cooked and the house smells like Thanksgiving, serve the stuffing warm as a delicious side dish for your holiday meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 10
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (with slow cooking)
• Yield: 10 servings

How to Serve

• As a side dish: Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. Serve it alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce for a traditional feast.
• With roasted meats: This stuffing also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork, or beef. It complements the savory flavors of the meat while adding a hint of sweetness from the apples.
• As a comforting meal: If you’re craving a lighter meal, serve this stuffing on its own with a side salad for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
• Leftovers: This stuffing makes excellent leftovers. You can enjoy it the next day as a side, or use it to stuff bell peppers or chicken breasts for a quick and easy meal.
• For meal prep: This stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Additional Tips

1. Make it vegetarian: If you want a vegetarian version of this stuffing, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms for a meaty texture.
2. Use different bread: You can use any type of bread for the stuffing, but a crusty, dense bread like sourdough or French bread works best. Just be sure to toast the bread cubes to help them hold their shape.
3. Add nuts for crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your stuffing, consider adding some toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
4. Spice it up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
5. Try other fruits: While apples are a great choice for sweetness, pears or dried cranberries can also work well in this stuffing, adding a unique twist.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffing and store it in the fridge a day or two in advance. Just cook it in the crockpot on the day of serving.
2. Can I cook this stuffing in the oven instead of a crockpot?
   Yes, you can bake this stuffing in the oven. After combining all the ingredients, transfer them to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–40 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Yes, feel free to use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute to suit your dietary preferences.
4. Can I freeze this stuffing?
   Yes, you can freeze the stuffing before cooking it. After assembling, cover the crockpot insert with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
5. Can I add nuts to this stuffing?
   Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans will give the stuffing a delightful crunch.
6. Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this stuffing gluten-free. Be sure to check the label on the sausage to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
7. Can I cook this stuffing on high in the crockpot?
   Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the stuffing on high for 2–3 hours instead of 4–6 hours on low.
8. How can I make the stuffing more flavorful?
   Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sausage mixture for a boost of flavor.
9. What can I use if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
   If you don’t have poultry seasoning, you can substitute with a mixture of thyme, sage, and rosemary.
10. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to moisten it up if needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. With its rich, savory flavor from the sausage and the slight sweetness of the apples, this stuffing offers a unique twist on the traditional recipe. The best part? It’s so easy to make in the crockpot, leaving you more time to focus on other dishes. Whether you serve it as a side for Thanksgiving or make it for a cozy family dinner, this stuffing will be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures—crispy edges, tender bread, and flavorful sausage—makes it a memorable dish that will keep everyone coming back for more. Try it out, and enjoy the deliciousness this holiday season!

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