Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the Holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or other main dishes.
- Set It and Forget It: Made in a crockpot, this recipe is hands-off and stress-free.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs creates a perfectly balanced dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 10 servings, this stuffing is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and celery, apples, toasted bread cubes, chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once fully cooked, serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Herb Boost: Include fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage for a more aromatic stuffing.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan for a creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Place the cooked stuffing in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Cook it in the crockpot the next day.
2. Can I use fresh bread instead of toasted?
Toasting the bread helps it hold its structure and prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy. Fresh bread may result in a soggier texture.
3. What type of bread is best for stuffing?
Sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or a rustic loaf works best. Avoid overly soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread.
4. Can I add dried fruits to this recipe?
Yes, dried cranberries or raisins can add a nice touch of sweetness.
5. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked sausage can save time; just crumble it and mix it in with the other ingredients.
6. Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, low-sodium broth is a great option to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
7. Can I double this recipe?
If your crockpot is large enough, you can double the ingredients. Be sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
8. How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough broth in the mixture, and cover the crockpot tightly to retain moisture.
9. Can I cook this on high heat?
Cooking on low heat is recommended to allow the flavors to meld, but you can cook on high for 2-3 hours if needed.
10. What other vegetables can I add?
Carrots, mushrooms, or even chopped bell peppers can be great additions to the stuffing.
Conclusion
Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is a must-have recipe for the holidays. It’s packed with savory and sweet flavors, incredibly easy to make, and sure to delight your guests. Whether served alongside turkey or as part of a larger feast, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer to your table. Try it this holiday season, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Applez
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is the perfect holiday side dish. Combining savory sausage, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. A must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it complements turkey or ham beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and celery, apples, toasted bread cubes, chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once fully cooked, serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- To add a crunch, mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- For gluten-free stuffing, substitute with gluten-free bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot/Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
