Sourdough stuffing with apples and sausage is a hearty, flavorful side dish that brings a unique twist to traditional stuffing. The tangy sourdough, sweet apples, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table. This stuffing pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables, and it’s sure to be a hit with guests looking for something comforting and delicious.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make this crowd-pleasing sourdough stuffing, along with tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

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1. Ingredients for Sourdough Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty stuffing:

• Sourdough Bread – 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old or stale is best)
• Italian Sausage – 1/2 lb, casings removed (use mild or spicy, as preferred)
• Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided
• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, diced
• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
• Apple – 1 large, diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh Herbs – 1 tablespoon each, chopped (sage, rosemary, and thyme)
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 2 cups (add more if needed)
• Eggs – 2, lightly beaten (helps bind the stuffing)
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
• Fresh Parsley – for garnish, optional

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2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

Follow these steps to create a delicious, golden sourdough stuffing:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the sourdough cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Toast the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until slightly crispy and dry. This helps the bread absorb the flavors without becoming soggy. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced apple and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the apple starts to soften.
3. Stir in the garlic and fresh herbs, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted sourdough cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetable mixture.
2. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the stuffing mixture, tossing gently to combine. Add more broth if the mixture seems too dry.
3. Add the beaten eggs and season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for extra flavor and golden color.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from the oven and let the stuffing cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite holiday dishes.

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3. Tips for Perfect Sourdough Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

3.1 Use Stale Sourdough Bread

Stale or day-old sourdough absorbs flavors better than fresh bread and helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy.

3.2 Adjust the Broth

The amount of broth you need can vary depending on the bread’s dryness. Add enough to moisten the bread but avoid making the mixture overly wet.

3.3 Add Eggs for Binding

Eggs help bind the stuffing and give it structure, ensuring it holds together when served.

3.4 Bake Uncovered for a Crispy Top

For a crispy, golden top, bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.

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4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Mushroom and Sage Sourdough Stuffing

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables for a hearty, earthy flavor.

4.2 Cranberry Apple Sourdough Stuffing

Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness that complements the apples.

4.3 Nutty Sourdough Stuffing

Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage and apples.

4.4 Spicy Sausage Stuffing

Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the stuffing a little heat.

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5. Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs well with a variety of main courses and sides. Here are some ideas:

• With Roasted Turkey or Ham: A perfect holiday side that complements the flavors of the main dish.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a complete meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A classic pairing that adds richness to the meal.
• As a Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly stuffing.

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6. Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

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7. Making Ahead for Gatherings

Sourdough stuffing can be partially prepared ahead for easy holiday planning:

1. Prepare the Bread and Filling: Toast the bread, cook the sausage, and sauté the vegetables the day before.
2. Assemble the Stuffing: Combine the ingredients (without adding the broth and eggs) and refrigerate overnight.
3. Bake on the Day of Serving: Add the broth and eggs before baking, then follow the baking instructions as usual.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any hearty, crusty bread like French baguette or ciabatta can work, though sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor.

2. Can I make this stuffing without sausage?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

3. How do I keep the stuffing from becoming mushy?

Using stale bread, toasting it, and adding just enough broth to moisten without oversaturating the bread helps prevent mushiness.

4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well. Use half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

5. How do I make this stuffing gluten-free?

Use gluten-free sourdough or other gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version.

6. Can I add other fruits to the stuffing?

Yes! Diced pears or cranberries add a wonderful sweetness that complements the sausage.

7. Can I make this stuffing vegan?

Yes, omit the sausage or use a vegan sausage, swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth.

8. Can I prepare this stuffing in a slow cooker?

Yes! Assemble the stuffing in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and lightly browned.

9. How can I make the stuffing more moist?

Add a bit more broth or cover with foil during baking to retain moisture.

10. How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves about 6-8 people as a side, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings.

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Sourdough stuffing with apples and sausage is a deliciously flavorful twist on classic stuffing. With tangy sourdough, sweet apples, and savory sausage, this hearty side dish is sure to be a standout at your holiday table. Enjoy this comforting, seasonal dish with friends and family!