Our hearty Apple And Sausage Stuffing Recipe is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite long after the holidays have passed.

For many of us, the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is the sides. Sure, that glistening turkey may try to steal the limelight, but we all know that there’s nothing quite like those creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing. And when it comes to the latter, chances are it’s the first dish to disappear and have everyone fighting for the last serving.
While we all have our own family heirloom recipes when it comes to stuffing, perhaps you’re looking to add something a little different to your table this year. If you like flavors that lean toward sweet, our apple and sausage stuffing may just be what you’re looking for. Made with tart Granny Smith apple, sweet cranberries, and fragrant sage sausage, this hearty stuffing is full of rich flavors that will pair well with a variety of sides. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from making it long after Thanksgiving has passed. In fact, we’re convinced that will be the case once you try it. There’s no turkey necessary for it to earn its place on your table. Serve it with roast pork or chicken, and it’ll be just as satisfying.

Change it up
Let’s start with the foundation of this recipe: the bread. We love a robust sourdough bread here, but you can also use leftover baguette or cornbread for even more sweetness. Stay away from industrial sliced white bread, as it will not provide the right texture to the stuffing. For more flavor, stir in one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh sage and two tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley. And don’t discard those leaves at the top of your bunch of celery. Chop them up and add them in as well. Want to add a little crunch? Stir in some chopped pecans or roughly chopped cooked chestnuts.
To make a vegetarian version of this stuffing, use plant-based sausage (there are plenty of great options available these days), add one tablespoon of dried sage, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, transfer the stuffing to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Pair your stuffing with our showstopping Citrus-Herb Turkey With Lemon-Garlic Gravy and other Thanksgiving Day classics such as Green Beans Almondine and Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes. We also love it with Buffalo Chicken or our tender Instant-Pot Pork Chops.

Apple And Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sage sausage removed from its casing
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 Granny Smith apple peeled and diced
- 3 cup day-old bread cubes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 egg lightly whisked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the sausage for 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to a large bowl and add the apple, cubed bread, chicken broth, cranberries, and egg. Stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, bake for an additional 5 minutes, and serve.


That sounds so good. Definitely different from my traditional stuffing.
I never had sausage in stuffing until my mother in law made it. It’s good when done right!
Gorgeous! I love the carrots. My husband’s favorite food is stuffing so I’ll have to amp it up this year.
This recipe sounds perfect for the holidays. Love that it has granny smith apples, they are my favorite!
No Thanksgiving is complete without stuffing. For the last couple years I have been experimenting with recipes. May need to give this one a try this year! – Katy
This looks amazing! I would love to make this now! yum!
I like this Recipe ..I just love the smell of apple anything coming from the oven. It is definitely something that I would try
This looks like the perfect stuffing recipe for my Thanksgiving meal!
Yum, this recipe looks amazing. I have never heard of adding apples to stuffing, what a great idea!
That looks delicious! A perfect stuffing for Thanksgiving!