Applecranberry Sausage Stuffing a Proper Holiday Spread
Table of Contents
Apple Cranberry & Sausage Stuffing: A Proper Holiday Spread
Fancy a stuffing that’s not just "there," but there there? Honestly, who doesn't! This Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing will seriously change your holiday game.
Trust me on this one, you are in for a treat!
What’s the Story?
This isn't your average stuffing. This recipe is inspired by classic English flavors. It takes a traditional side dish. Then, it kicks it up a notch.
Think savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries. All mingled with herbs. It's like a warm hug on a plate! This stuffing with fruit and sausage is the bomb.
This recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 25 minutes. Cook time is around 40 minutes. So, just over an hour.
It makes about 8-10 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a holiday bash. Let's learn how to bake thanksgiving sausage stuffing .
Why You Need This in Your Life
Apart from tasting amazing, this savory sausage stuffing is packed with goodness. Cranberries are full of antioxidants. Apples give you fiber.
The sausage brings protein. Plus, it’s the perfect side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion! What is not to like? The amazing Cranberry Sausage Stuffing makes the whole day amazing, what you see is what you get with this recipe!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this masterpiece. I always grab the best quality sausage. It really makes a difference. The Apple sausage stuffing recipe quality makes all the difference
- 1 pound day-old country bread.
- 1/2 cup melted butter.
- 1 medium yellow onion.
- 2 celery stalks.
- 2 large Granny Smith apples.
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage.
- 1 cup dried cranberries.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional).
- 1 teaspoon dried sage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Salt and pepper.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional).
- 2 large eggs.
Now, let’s get cooking. Ready to make the best sausage stuffing recipe ever?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Stuffing!
Alright, mate! Let's get down to the nitty gritty. No Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing recipe is complete without knowing what to gather first.
I once tried winging it with stale bagels instead of bread. Honestly, it was a disaster. Learn from my mistakes!
Main Ingredients
- Bread: 1 (1-pound) loaf day-old country bread, cubed ( 450g ). Get good quality bread. It makes all the difference!
- Butter: 1/2 cup ( 1 stick ) unsalted butter, melted ( 113g ). Don't skimp, it adds richness.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped ( 150g ). Sweet onions work too.
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped ( 100g ). Adds a lovely crunch.
- Apples: 2 large Granny Smith apples, diced ( 400g ). Tartness is key here.
- Sausage: 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage ( 450g ). Jimmy Dean's a classic, but use whatever you like!
- Cranberries: 1 cup dried cranberries ( 120g ). Adds that festive zing.
- Nuts (Optional): 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ( 60g ). I love the texture, but skip if you're not a fan.
- Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups low sodium preferred ( 355ml ). Vital for moisture!
- White Wine (Optional): 1/4 cup dry white wine ( 60ml ). A splash elevates the flavour, trust me.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ( 100g ). Binds it all together.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens!
- Essential Spices: 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. This Sausage Cranberry Dressing needs these. I find the Thanksgiving sausage stuffing is never the same without it.
- Flavor Enhancers: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don't be shy!
- Quick Swaps: No sage? Use poultry seasoning. If you like, you can use italian seasonings. No thyme? Use marjoram or savory.
My grandma always said the secret to great Homemade Stuffing With Cranberries is tasting and adjusting as you go. She makes the Best sausage stuffing recipe by far, i am never going to live up to her standards.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Large skillet or sauté pan. For browning the sausage and aromatics.
- Large mixing bowl. Big enough to toss everything together.
- 9x13 inch baking dish. For baking, duh!
Don't have a baking dish? A sturdy casserole dish will do. Don't have a skillet? A pot can work in a pinch.
Making Cranberry Sausage Stuffing isn't rocket science, but having the right tools makes life easier. And remember, a Savory Sausage Stuffing is a must at every Holiday stuffing recipe !
Apple Cranberry & Sausage Stuffing: A Proper Holiday Spread
Right, let’s talk stuffing . I think we can all agree, a Thanksgiving or Holiday stuffing recipe can make or break the whole shebang.
I was once at this dinner, and the stuffing was so dry, honestly, it sucked all the moisture out of my mouth like a sponge.
Never again! This Apple Cranberry & Sausage Stuffing , though? Absolute game changer. Trust me.
This Cranberry Sausage Stuffing recipe elevates the classic side dish with the savory goodness of browned sausage, the sweet tartness of apples and cranberries, and a hint of warm spices.
Think of it as a Sausage Cranberry Dressing , so good it deserves its own parade. We want you to make the Best sausage stuffing recipe that will be the heart of your Thanksgiving Table.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organized. Chop your onion (one medium yellow onion), celery (two celery stalks), and apples (two Granny Smith apples).
Having everything ready will save you a ton of time. Also, and this is important, get your bread cubed! A 1-pound loaf of day-old country bread works best.
Slice, cube it. You could buy pre-cubed, but that's cheating, innit?
Safety first : Don't forget to wash your apples and celery. We are not trying to poison anyone here.
Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing: Cooking Made Easy
- Toast the Bread: Spread your bread cubes on a baking sheet. Bake at 300° F ( 150° C) for 15- 20 minutes , until lightly toasted. This stops the stuffing from becoming a soggy mess.
- Sauté the Veg: Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet. Add your chopped onion and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Brown the Sausage: This is key! Add 1 pound of bulk breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease nobody wants a greasy savory sausage stuffing .
- Apples and Cranberries Join the Party: Stir in your diced apples and 1 cup of dried cranberries. Cook until the apples are slightly softened, around 5 minutes .
- Combine and Season: Transfer the sausage mixture to a big mixing bowl. Add your toasted bread cubes, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Season generously with salt and pepper. You're creating the Homemade Stuffing With Cranberries magic!
- Moisten It Up: Whisk together 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional), and 2 lightly beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the stuffing and toss gently. Make sure everything is moistened but not soggy.
- Bake It: Transfer the Sausage Stuffing With Cranberries to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes , until golden brown on top. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Stuffing
Don't overmix the Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing . Gentle is key! Tasting is important too! Before baking, have a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Salt, pepper, maybe a bit more sage. Make it your Apple sausage stuffing recipe .
One common mistake? Not browning the sausage properly. Get a good colour on it. Trust me, it makes a difference.
If you want to get ahead, you can prepare the Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate.
And there you have it! That's how to make a killer Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Epic Stuffing Success
Alright, let's talk shop about this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. But a few tweaks can make it truly chef's kiss .
You know? Let's make some proper Cranberry Sausage Stuffing
Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibes
Presentation matters. Think rustic chic. Fluff that Thanksgiving sausage stuffing in a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
This Holiday stuffing recipe is amazing with roast turkey. Serve it with cranberry sauce and gravy. Don't forget green beans and mashed potatoes. A glass of crisp white wine is chefs kiss.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Mate!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled stuffing in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing is an option! Portion it out. Wrap it well. It'll keep for about a month. Reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Variations: Make it Your Own, innit?
Want a vegetarian version? Sub the sausage with mushrooms. You can use plant based sausage crumbles. Boom, sorted!
If you need it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Easy peasy!
Change up the fruit, too. Pears are great in autumn. Think of a Stuffing with fruit and sausage
Nutrition Basics: It's Good for the Soul
Look, it's stuffing. It's meant to be enjoyed. I won't pretend it's a salad.
But it has fruit and herbs. Those are good for you, right? Enjoy this homemade stuffing with cranberries and don't sweat it too much.
I swear, this Apple sausage stuffing recipe will be a hit. Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
You've got this! I promise you will have the Best sausage stuffing recipe ever. You can also call it Sausage Cranberry Dressing .
You will have a Savory Sausage Stuffing that will make the neighbours envious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing ahead of time? I'm trying to be organised like Mary Berry!
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. This is a great way to reduce stress on the big day.
My stuffing always ends up mushy. What am I doing wrong with my Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing?
Mushy stuffing is a common problem, but easily fixed! Make sure you're using day-old or lightly toasted bread cubes this prevents the stuffing from absorbing too much moisture. Also, be careful not to over saturate the bread with the chicken broth mixture; you want it moistened, not swimming.
Think Goldilocks not too wet, not too dry, but just right.
I'm not a fan of sausage. Can I substitute it in this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing recipe?
No worries! You can easily swap out the sausage. Try using plant based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian version, or simply increase the amount of apples and add some sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavour. You could even use chopped cooked bacon for a different savory twist.
A little smoked paprika can help add a savory depth, too.
How do I store leftover Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing, and how long will it last?
Leftover stuffing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down as quickly as possible before refrigerating it. You can also freeze leftover stuffing for up to 2-3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add any other fruits or nuts to this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits and nuts. Chopped dried apricots, figs, or pears would be lovely additions. As for nuts, toasted walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would all complement the flavors of the stuffing beautifully. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your liking.
It's your stuffing, make it your own!
Is this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing recipe healthy?
While "stuffing" might not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of health food, this recipe does offer some nutritional benefits. The apples and cranberries provide fiber and antioxidants, and the sausage offers protein. You can reduce the fat content by using leaner sausage and low-sodium chicken broth.
Portion control is also key, as with any holiday indulgence!
Applecranberry Sausage Stuffing A Proper Holiday
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 30-35g |