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Delicious Apple and Sausage Stuffing Bake Thanksgiving side dish

Classic Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake

This savory and sweet stuffing bake features a delightful combination of cubed sourdough or white bread, ground turkey sausage, crisp apples, and aromatic herbs. It's baked to golden perfection, offering a comforting side dish perfect for any festive meal.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Separate bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8 cups sourdough or white bread cubed day-old (about 1 pound)
  • 1 pound ground turkey sausage mild
  • 2 medium firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, diced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Enhancements

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cube the day-old bread and spread it on a baking sheet; toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and dry.
  • Dice the onions, celery, and apples, then mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs.
  • Brown the ground turkey sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain any excess fat.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions and celery for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Combine the toasted bread, cooked sausage, sautéed aromatics, diced apples, and chopped fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl, adding optional cranberries/cherries and pecans/walnuts if desired.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the whisked liquid over the bread mixture and gently toss everything until it is thoroughly moistened.
  • Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Baking & Serving

  • Bake the stuffing in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Allow the Apple & Sausage Stuffing Bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the stuffing mixture a few hours ahead or even the night before, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.