Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a stuffing recipe that perfectly blends savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, you’re in for a treat. This Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it hits all the right notes: hearty, comforting, and just a little unexpected. Whether you’re cooking up a feast for Thanksgiving or just want to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this stuffing will become your go-to side dish. Stick around—I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks to help you nail it every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of bread types, fragrant herbs, and fresh fruit is what sets this Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe apart. Make sure to choose good quality bread and fresh herbs for the best outcome.

• White bread: I prefer a sturdy white bread like French or sourdough to add soft, mild texture.
• Whole wheat bread: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit more chew, balancing the white bread perfectly.
• Ground turkey sausage: Lean but flavorful; you can substitute with pork sausage if you want more richness.
• Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Chopped celery: For that classic crunch and freshness.
• Dried sage, rosemary, thyme: These herbs are traditional and essential—don’t skip them!
• Golden Delicious apple: I love this apple because it’s sweet but holds up well when cooked.
• Dried cranberries: They bring lovely bursts of tart sweetness—fresh cranberries won’t work as well here.
• Minced fresh parsley: Adds a bright color and fresh flavor.
• Cooked turkey liver: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic rich, meaty note.
• Turkey stock: Slowly drizzled to keep the mixture moist but not soggy.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and help everything meld together.

Variations

I love how flexible this Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe is. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks that really keep things interesting—and you might too!

• Swap the sausage: I once used spicy Italian sausage to give it a little kick—my family was pleasantly surprised!
• Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage and liver with sautéed mushrooms and extra herbs—still super flavorful.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts toast up beautifully in the oven, adding a subtle crunch.
• Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme on hand, use those instead of dried for a brighter herbal aroma.

How to Make Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Start by spreading your white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, turning once if needed, until they’re golden and crisp but not browned too much. This step is crucial because it sets the perfect texture—your stuffing won’t be soggy later on, which I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook your turkey sausage with chopped onions. Break it up as it cooks to get those perfectly browned, little sausage crumbles. After about 6-8 minutes, add the celery along with the dried sage, rosemary, and thyme. Stir it all together and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. This layering of flavor is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Combine Everything Gently

Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large bowl, then pour the hot sausage and veggie mixture over them. Toss in chopped apple, dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and the finely chopped turkey liver (if you’re using it). Drizzle turkey stock and melted butter over everything and mix carefully—you want to coat the ingredients without smashing the bread cubes. The stuffing should feel moist but not soggy. Trust me, this gentle handling is key to a perfect bake.

Step 4: Let It Cool Before Stuffing or Baking

It’s really important to let the stuffing cool completely before you stuff your turkey or bake it separately. I used to rush this step and ended up with undercooked stuffing inside the bird—definitely not ideal! Cooling prevents food safety issues and helps the flavors meld.

How to Serve Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this stuffing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a few extra dried cranberries on top for a pop of red. Sometimes, a light drizzle of melted butter right before serving adds that beautiful shine and richness that makes everyone’s eyes light up.

Side Dishes

This Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, glazed carrots, and a crisp green salad. For a cozy, complete meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce—the flavors marry beautifully on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? I once baked the stuffing in individual mini cast iron skillets. It looked stunning and made portioning a breeze. You could also stuff it into hollowed-out apples or squash for a festive, seasonal twist that’s perfect for holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your stuffing, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. I’ve found they keep great for up to four days, making for an easy reheat when you want a quick comforting side or sandwich filler the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this stuffing works surprisingly well! Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When I thawed it out later, the texture and flavor were still spot-on after reheating. Great for holiday meal planning.

Reheating

I recommend reheating stuffing gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This prevents drying out and brings back that cozy, fresh-baked taste I love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart—I love how the sweet and savory flavors come together, and how it brings everyone around the table closer with each bite. If you want a stuffing that’s more than just a side dish—something memorable and delicious—I really encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again.

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