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- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 2 apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 cup fresh bread cubes (preferably a rustic or sourdough bread) - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional) - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or nuts (optional)

Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Embrace the flavors of fall with this Autumn Harvest Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing! This cozy recipe combines sweet apples and savory Italian sausage, creating a perfect side dish for your autumn meals. Simple to prepare, the stuffing features delightful ingredients like fresh herbs and rustic bread that evoke the season's spirit. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite at your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

4 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes (preferably a blend of sourdough and French bread)

1 cup chicken broth (plus more if needed)

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or oil.

    Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sweet Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks, frying until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, stirring frequently, and sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, incorporate the minced garlic, chopped sage, thyme, salt, and pepper into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed mixture of vegetables, diced apples, and bread cubes. If desired, add in the dried cranberries or nuts. Stir gently until all ingredients are nicely incorporated.

          Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, mixing gently to ensure that the bread cubes are moistened thoroughly without becoming soggy. Adjust the amount of broth as necessary to achieve your preferred level of stuffing moisture.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven to bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is golden brown and has a crispy texture.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffing in a beautiful serving dish or individual ramekins, garnished with additional parsley sprigs for a festive touch. Enjoy it warm alongside your favorite autumn dishes!