This savory sausage, bacon, and apple stuffing is a perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that complement any main course. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this stuffing stands out with its rich, full-bodied flavors and moist, fluffy consistency. The infusion of fresh herbs and spices elevates the dish, making it both comforting and sophisticated. Serve it alongside roasted meats, and watch as it becomes a favorite among your guests, eagerly anticipating each delicious bite.
Crafted with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stuffing recipe is ideal even for novice cooks. The combination of crisp bacon, flavorful sausage, and juicy apples creates a harmonious balance that enhances the overall meal. Additionally, the inclusion of dried cherries adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly offsets the savory elements. Prepare this stuffing ahead of time to save on holiday cooking stress, and enjoy a dish that is as impressive in flavor as it is easy to make.
Ingredients For savory sausage, bacon, and apple stuffing
SAUSAGE AND BACON
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) bacon, diced
- 3 links Johnsonville Italian sausage (or your choice), casings removed (about 340 grams)
- BASE
- 1 large loaf Italian bread, toasted and cubed (about 16 cups or 480 grams)
- 1 cup diced onion (about 150 grams)
- 4-5 stalks celery, diced (about 200 grams)
- 1 1/2 large apples, diced with peels on (Granny Smiths recommended) (about 300 grams)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (about 75 grams)
LIQUIDS AND SEASONINGS
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (about 480-720 milliliters, depending on bread dryness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (about 1 gram)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (about 2 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (about 0.5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (about 1 gram)
- 1 pinch red chili flakes (about 0.2 grams)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How To Make savory sausage, bacon, and apple stuffing
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Cut the loaf of Italian bread in half and place the halves on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven until they are nicely golden, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Bacon: While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onions and celery to the skillet. Sauté them in the bacon drippings over medium heat until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. This process helps to build a flavorful base for the stuffing.
- Prepare the Bread: Once the toasted bread slices have cooled enough to handle, cut them into cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed onions and celery to the bread cubes.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate the diced apples and dried cherries into the bread mixture, ensuring an even distribution of these sweet elements throughout the stuffing.
- Combine the Meat: Add the cooked bacon and sausage to the bread mixture, mixing well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the Stuffing: Sprinkle in the dried sage, poultry seasoning, celery seed, fennel seeds, and red chili flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the seasonings into the stuffing evenly.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, starting with 2 cups (480 milliliters). Mix the stuffing gently, adding more broth if necessary, until the bread is moist but not soggy. The amount of broth needed will depend on how dry your toasted bread is.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spray a 13×9-inch (33×23 centimeters) baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the Stuffing: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. In the last 20 minutes of baking, uncover the dish to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the stuffing to a serving bowl or dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite holiday main courses. Enjoy the rich, flavorful combination of sausage, bacon, and apple in every bite!
As you savor each spoonful of this savory sausage, bacon, and apple stuffing, you’ll appreciate the harmonious blend of rich meats, sweet apples, and tangy dried cherries. The slow-cooked onions and aromatic herbs infuse the dish with deep, comforting flavors, while the toasted bread ensures every bite is perfectly moist and fluffy. This stuffing not only complements your holiday roasts but also stands out as a hearty, flavorful side that can almost serve as a meal on its own. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an excellent choice for any festive occasion, ensuring that your holiday table is both impressive and delicious. Share this delightful stuffing with loved ones and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow. Relish the taste of tradition with a modern twist, and make this recipe a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
