Description
A delightful combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries, perfect for holiday meals or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian, breakfast, or any favorite variety, removed from casings)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 8 cups cubed bread (stale or lightly toasted, preferably rustic or sourdough)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage (chopped, or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped, or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped apples and dried cranberries, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the apples are just tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, apples, and cranberries. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth and melted butter over the stuffing mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is around 50-60 minutes.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg