If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful side dish that balances savory and sweet, then get ready to fall in love with Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries. This recipe perfectly blends the richness of sausage and fresh herbs with the natural sweetness of crisp apples and tart cranberries, creating a stuffing that’s both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply want a delicious accompaniment for your meal, this stuffing brings vibrant colors, warm spices, and layers of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: The savory sausage pairs beautifully with sweet apples and tangy cranberries for a mouthwatering harmony.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a no-fuss yet unforgettable dish.
Versatile side dish: Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or even as a stuffing for poultry and vegetables.
Beautiful presentation: The colorful apples and cranberries add a festive look that brightens up any table.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to match your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each element plays a key role: sausage delivers savory depth, herbs bring fresh aroma, apples contribute crunch and sweetness, and cranberries provide bursts of tartness.

Italian sausage: Provides rich and savory flavor—choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Fresh bread cubes: The base of the stuffing, offering texture and the perfect vehicle for flavors.
Apples: Crisp and slightly sweet, they add a refreshing contrast to the savory elements.
Dried cranberries: These offer chewy tart bursts that complement the sausage and apples beautifully.
Onion and celery: Classic aromatics that bring subtle sweetness and crunch.
Fresh herbs: Sage, thyme, and parsley combine to give the stuffing vibrant herbal notes.
Chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and infuses it with savory depth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the vegetables to a tender perfection.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

This stuffing recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for mushrooms or a plant-based alternative for a meat-free option.
Nutty addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth.
Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to bring heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread cubes to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Extra fruity twist: Toss in dried apricots or fresh pears alongside apples for more fruitiness.

Irresistible Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

How to Make Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

Step 1: Prepare the bread cubes

Start by cubing your bread and laying it out on a baking sheet to dry. This helps the stuffing soak up all the flavors without turning mushy, creating that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cook the sausage and vegetables

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Remove excess fat if needed, then add diced onions and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add apples, cranberries, and herbs

Stir in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the apples slightly.

Step 4: Combine stuffing ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the dried bread cubes. Pour in warm chicken broth and melted butter, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to get a golden, crispy top.

Pro Tips for Making Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up flavors better without turning soggy.
Don’t skip fresh herbs: They make a huge difference in aroma and taste compared to dried.
Choose the right apple: Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best to balance the richness of the sausage.
Adjust broth carefully: Add gradually to avoid a too-wet stuffing.
Let it rest before serving: Give the stuffing a few minutes out of the oven to set for easier slicing and serving.

How to Serve Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped sage on top just before serving for a fresh herbal finish and eye-catching color.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even pork chops, enhancing your meal with savory and sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stuffing in mini pumpkin bowls for an autumn-themed presentation or stuff it inside hollowed-out apples for a fun, festive twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to restore warmth and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze leftover stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat stuffing in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout. Adding a splash of broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage is the traditional choice for its flavorful seasoning, but you can use breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Is this stuffing gluten-free?

It’s not by default due to regular bread, but you can use gluten-free bread cubes to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative to retain texture and umami flavors.

How do I prevent the stuffing from being soggy?

Use day-old bread and add broth gradually, so the bread absorbs just enough moisture without getting mushy.

Final Thoughts

Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries is truly a showstopper that brings warmth, flavor, and festive color to your table. Its blend of savory, sweet, and tart elements makes every bite irresistible and comforting. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or cozy family dinner—you might just find your new favorite comfort food tradition!

Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries

Print Recipe

Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries is a comforting and flavorful side dish combining savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, crisp apples, and tart dried cranberries. This stuffing offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tart flavors, ideal for holiday feasts, family dinners, or as a hearty stuffing for poultry and vegetables. With warm spices, vibrant colors, and layers of taste, it’s a festive side that will delight everyone at the table.

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons butter

Fruits and Herbs

2 medium apples, chopped (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Base and Liquids

8 cups fresh bread cubes (preferably day-old, use gluten-free if needed)
1 1/2 to 2 cups warm chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the bread cubes: Cube the fresh bread and spread it out on a baking sheet to dry slightly. This step ensures the stuffing soaks up flavors without becoming mushy, creating the perfect texture.
Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Remove excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add apples, cranberries, and herbs: Stir in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs such as sage and thyme. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and slightly soften the apples.
Combine stuffing ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and vegetable mixture with the dried bread cubes. Pour in the warm chicken broth and melted butter. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake until golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Notes

Use day-old bread for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
Fresh herbs significantly enhance the aroma and flavor compared to dried.
Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance richness.
Add broth gradually to avoid overly wet stuffing.
Let the stuffing rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
For vegetarian variation, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based alternatives.
Nutty additions like chopped pecans or walnuts add extra crunch.
To spice it up, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free diet option.
Extra fruity twist can be achieved by adding dried apricots or fresh pears.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, stuffing with apples, cranberry stuffing, holiday side dish, gluten free stuffing, savory stuffing