Looking for a delicious and comforting side dish for your next family meal? This Simple Sausage and Apple Stuffing is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for the fall season.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 apples, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 cups cubed bread
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the diced apples, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with the cubed bread.
6. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving Size: 1 cup
– Calories: 300
– Total Fat: 15g
– Cholesterol: 30mg
– Sodium: 600mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 12g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
– Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer for this recipe.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
– Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried, just use a larger quantity.
3. Can I use a different type of bread for the stuffing?
– Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
4. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
– Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze this stuffing?
– Yes, you can freeze the stuffing before baking and then thaw and bake when needed.
**Helpful tips:**
1. Add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
2. Drizzle melted butter over the top before baking for a richer flavor.
3. Add some dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
4. Experiment with different types of apples for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
5. Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor.
6. Make sure to mix the bread and sausage mixture well to evenly distribute the flavors.
7. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for added freshness.
9. Use a mix of white and whole wheat bread for added texture.
10. Serve the stuffing with a drizzle of gravy for extra indulgence.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Use day-old bread for the best texture in the stuffing.
2. Toast the bread cubes before mixing with the sausage for a crunchier texture.
3. Cook the sausage until crispy to add a depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Try adding crumbled bacon for an extra savory kick.
5. Mix in a handful of shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy version of the stuffing.
6. Consider adding a splash of apple cider for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
7. Experiment with different sausage flavors, such as spicy Italian or chorizo.
8. Make a vegetarian version by substituting the sausage with mushrooms or tofu.
9. Top the baked stuffing with a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
10. Serve the stuffing alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a complete meal.
By following these tips and expert secrets, you can take your Simple Sausage and Apple Stuffing to the next level and impress your family and friends with a delicious and flavorful side dish. Enjoy!