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Moist and Crispy Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing with Sage and Apple

Close-up of baked sausage stuffing with a golden crust and visible chunks of bread and sausage.
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A traditional sausage stuffing recipe featuring a moist interior and a golden, crispy top, perfect for holiday meals. This recipe includes apple for sweetness and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 cups dried bread cubes (sourdough or plain white bread work well)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Add the onion and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced apple, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. In a very large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes and the sausage mixture. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage. Toss until the bread is evenly moistened. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top surface.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is heated through.
  9. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire dish (steps 1 through 6) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then proceed with baking instructions.
  • If you are stuffing a turkey, use a separate baking dish for the stuffing to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you want a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with turkey broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/sausage-stuffing-moist-crispy-make-ahead-recipe/