If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that perfectly balances savory and sweet, look no further than this Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe. It blends spicy or mild Italian sausage with tart apples and fresh herbs, all slow-cooked to tender, flavorful perfection. This dish transforms the humble stuffing into a cozy, aromatic delight that’s ideal for family dinners or holiday celebrations, delivering warm spices and fresh fruitiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors in this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building the texture, aroma, and taste that make this stuffing unforgettable, from the hearty sausage and crisp apples to the fragrant herbs that lift every spoonful.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild): Provides a rich, savory base with a touch of warmth depending on your spice preference.
- 2 cups cubed stale bread: Essential for soaking up all the juices while giving the stuffing body and softness.
- 1 cup diced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith): Adds a bright, slightly tangy sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Offers a subtle crunch and freshness to lighten the mix.
- 1 cup diced onion: Builds depth and sweetness after sautéing in the sausage drippings.
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without overpowering other flavors.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that adds subtle earthiness.
- 2 tsp fresh sage: Infuses the stuffing with a classic, slightly peppery note typical in traditional stuffing recipes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Breaking it into small pieces as you go ensures each forkful gets lots of that savory goodness. This step creates the flavorful foundation for the dish, and you’ll want those tasty sausage drippings to enhance the next ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions, Celery, and Apples
Using the sausage drippings, add diced onions and chopped celery to the skillet. Sauté them until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Then toss in the diced apples just long enough to warm them through. This combo brings a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and fresh textures that truly elevate the stuffing.
Step 3: Combine All the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, fresh thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth to moisten the mixture fully. Stir gently so all the bread soaks up the savory juices and herbs without turning mushy. This blend readies your stuffing for a perfect slow-cook experience.
Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot
Transfer your combined stuffing mixture into the crockpot. Set it on low for 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. The slow, steady heat lets all the flavors marry beautifully while keeping the stuffing moist and tender. It’s a hands-off step that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, give the stuffing a gentle stir to fluff it up and distribute the warmth evenly. Serve it as a warm, fragrant side that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe truly shines when shared around the table with loved ones.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish visually and with subtle extra flavors by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of more fresh thyme leaves. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple and sausage perfectly.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday mains like roasted turkey or baked ham. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also stuff it into hollowed-out acorn squash or bell peppers for a festive, edible container that adds color and seasonal flair to your table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly ensures the flavors stay fresh while preventing any spoilage.
Freezing
You can freeze this stuffing easily. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffing in the microwave or in a low oven (about 325°F) until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, splash a little vegetable broth on top before reheating to refresh the moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread cubes can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs, just make sure they’re stale or toasted slightly to hold up well during cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried thyme and sage work fine in a pinch; just use about one-third of the fresh herb quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use a flavorful vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a savory depth to replace the sausage.
Is it necessary to use a crockpot?
You can cook this stuffing in a covered casserole dish in the oven, but the crockpot keeps it moist and lets flavors meld slowly without much fuss, which is why it’s a favorite method here.
How do I prevent the stuffing from getting soggy?
Using stale bread helps absorb moisture without turning mushy, and adding broth gradually ensures the mixture stays moist but not wet. Be gentle when stirring to keep the texture intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe that makes it a beloved staple in my kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a go-to for your cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations alike.
Print
Crockpot Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is a hearty, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or family meals. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tart apples, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth, this recipe combines sweet and savory elements for a deliciously comforting stuffing that’s easy to prepare using a crockpot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 2 cups cubed stale bread
- 1 cup diced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tsp fresh sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbled pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté vegetables and apples: Using the drippings left from the sausage, sauté the diced onions and chopped celery until they soften. Then add the diced tart apples and sauté briefly to combine the flavors without overcooking the apples.
- Combine the stuffing mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed stale bread, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, fresh thyme, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and mix everything together thoroughly for even moisture and flavor distribution.
- Cook in the crockpot: Transfer the combined mixture into the crockpot. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the stuffing to heat through completely.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, stir the stuffing gently to fluff it up. Serve warm as a delicious side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps the stuffing absorb the broth better without becoming mushy.
- You can use either spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your preferred heat level.
- For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Fresh herbs can be replaced with 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried sage if fresh is not available.
- Ensure to break the sausage into small pieces to distribute meat evenly throughout the stuffing.
