Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple: 1 Amazing Dish

Name: Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple: 1 Amazing Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489608H44M21S
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 ribs celery, chopped; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dried cranberries (optional); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 8 cups bread cubes, day-old; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing

by lona

13 de September de 2025

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Thanksgiving savory sausage apple has always been the star of our holiday table, filling the house with the most incredible aroma. I remember my first Thanksgiving as a host, feeling overwhelmed, but this stuffing recipe was my secret weapon. The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet, tender apples, and fragrant herbs is pure magic. It’s a truly savory sausage and apple recipe for Thanksgiving that’s both comforting and impressive. This year, I’m excited to share this easy Thanksgiving sausage apple bake with you all. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple

This Thanksgiving savory sausage apple dish is a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:

The irresistible blend of savory Italian sausage and sweet, crisp apples creates a flavor explosion.
It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an easy Thanksgiving sausage apple bake even for busy holiday cooks.
Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the apples, it’s a satisfying and relatively healthy Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing option.
This stuffing is incredibly budget-friendly, using common ingredients that deliver big on taste without breaking the bank.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys the Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing.
The aromatic herbs like thyme and sage fill your kitchen with that quintessential holiday scent.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a vegetarian meal with a meatless alternative.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Stuffing

Gathering the right Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing ingredients is key to unlocking that perfect holiday flavor. This recipe balances savory and sweet beautifully, and here’s why:

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed – This is the savory backbone, providing rich flavor and a hearty texture.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a fundamental aromatic base and a touch of sweetness when sautéed.
2 ribs celery, chopped – Brings a subtle crunch and a mild, slightly peppery note that complements the other ingredients.
2 apples, peeled and diced – This is where the magic happens! The apples are crucial for that signature sweet and tart balance, and they become wonderfully tender when baked.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for depth of flavor and that unmistakable savory aroma.
½ cup dried cranberries (optional) – For a burst of tartness and chewy texture, though not strictly necessary.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb for stuffing, offering an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
1 teaspoon dried sage – Imparts that warm, slightly peppery, and pungent aroma synonymous with Thanksgiving.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
½ teaspoon pepper – Adds a gentle warmth.
8 cups bread cubes, day-old – Crucial for soaking up all the delicious juices and creating the perfect stuffing texture. Using day-old bread is important to prevent sogginess.
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
½ cup chopped fresh parsley – For a touch of freshness and color right at the end.

How to Make Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Stuffing

Follow these simple Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing instructions to create an incredible dish that will impress your guests.

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large skillet.
Step 2: Add the 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles with your spoon. Continue cooking until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet – you want flavor, not grease!
Step 4: Now, add the 1 medium onion, chopped and 2 ribs celery, chopped to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the 2 apples, peeled and diced and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the apples start to soften slightly.
Step 6: Toss in the ½ cup dried cranberries (optional), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir everything together to combine all those wonderful aromas.
Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage-vegetable mixture with the 8 cups bread cubes, day-old. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the bread cubes get coated.
Step 8: Gently pour in the 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth and the ½ cup chopped fresh parsley. Mix until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. This step is crucial for making your apple and sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner moist and flavorful.
Step 9: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
Step 10: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 11: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 12: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly crisp.

Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple: 1 Amazing Dish - Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Bake

Want to elevate your holiday spread? Here are my top tips for making the best Thanksgiving sausage apple dish:

Toast your bread cubes: For a superior texture, spread your bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re lightly golden and dried out. This prevents soggy stuffing!
Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients after adding the broth. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the bread too much, leading to a gummy texture.
Taste and adjust: Before baking, taste a small spoonful of the mixture (carefully, if it’s raw sausage!) or a cooked bread cube to check the seasoning. You might need a pinch more salt or pepper.
Let it rest: After baking, let the stuffing sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set up a bit.

What’s the secret to perfect Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Stuffing?

The real secret to a perfect savory Thanksgiving stuffing with apple and sausage lies in toasting your bread cubes. This ensures they absorb the liquid without becoming mushy, giving you that ideal fluffy yet slightly crisp bite. For more holiday cooking tips, check out these latest recipes.

Can I make Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the stuffing mixture completely, but don’t add the broth until just before baking. Store the dry mixture and the broth separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish sausage apple option.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple?

The most common mistake is soggy stuffing, often from using fresh bread or not toasting it. Another pitfall is overmixing, which can make it gummy. Ensure you drain excess fat from the sausage and don’t add too much liquid. For more guidance on holiday cooking, consider these autumn recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple

This versatile Thanksgiving savory sausage apple dish is a true crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday mains. Serve it alongside your roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic Thanksgiving spread. For those seeking options, you can easily create a gluten-free Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing by using gluten-free bread cubes. If you have vegetarian guests, a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving sausage apple alternative can be made by omitting the sausage and sautéing extra vegetables like mushrooms and parsnips with the apples and herbs, using vegetable broth instead.

Nutrition Facts for Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful Thanksgiving savory sausage apple dish. This information can help you plan your holiday meals.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 500 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple Stuffing

Properly storing your delicious Thanksgiving savory sausage apple is crucial to keeping it fresh for leftovers. Once the stuffing has cooled completely to room temperature – this usually takes about an hour – transfer it into airtight containers. This makes it a fantastic component of a quick Thanksgiving sausage apple recipe for busy weeknights or even the next holiday meal. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of easy methods. For refrigerated stuffing, you can gently warm it in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until hot.

Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple: 1 Amazing Dish - Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple - additional detail

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple

What is Thanksgiving savory sausage apple casserole?

A Thanksgiving savory sausage apple casserole is essentially this stuffing recipe baked in a casserole dish, often with a slightly different topping or preparation. It’s a comforting, flavorful side dish that highlights the classic combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs, making it a beloved part of the holiday meal.

Can I substitute the Italian sausage in my Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides a wonderful savory depth, you can certainly experiment. Consider using a mild or spicy breakfast sausage, or even a sage-infused sausage for an extra herbal kick. For a different flavor profile, some people enjoy using chorizo for a bit of heat.

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Traditionally, “stuffing” is cooked inside the turkey, while “dressing” is baked separately in a dish. However, the terms are often used interchangeably today, and this delicious Thanksgiving savory sausage apple dish is commonly referred to as both. Baking it separately, as this recipe does, is generally safer and helps achieve a better texture. For more cooking techniques, explore homemade recipes.

How do I make a Thanksgiving sausage apple casserole recipe that’s vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of this Thanksgiving sausage apple casserole recipe, simply omit the Italian sausage. Sauté the onions and celery in butter until softened, then add the apples, garlic, herbs, and cranberries. You can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, leeks, or even crumbled firm tofu for a heartier texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Variations of Thanksgiving Savory Sausage Apple You Can Try

Looking to mix things up with your holiday side? These Thanksgiving sausage apple stuffing variations offer exciting twists on the classic. For a heartier meal, consider a traditional Thanksgiving sausage apple dressing by adding toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the bread cubes for your favorite gluten-free bread, toasted well. For a vegetarian approach, omit the sausage and sauté extra mushrooms and leeks with the apples and herbs, using vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free stuffing. You might also enjoy these roast beef sandwich ideas.

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Herb Garden Delight: Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage along with the dried herbs for a more intense herbal aroma.
Sweet & Tart Boost: Add a handful of dried cherries or chopped dried apricots along with the cranberries for an extra layer of fruity sweetness.