If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that truly steals the show at any gathering, the Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the rich savoriness of ground sausage mingling beautifully with the sweetness of fresh apples, all wrapped up in soft, toasted bread cubes and infused with warm poultry seasoning. Cooking this in a crockpot means the flavors meld slowly and deeply, delivering a moist, flavorful stuffing every time. It’s rustic, hearty, and the perfect way to elevate your holiday table or cozy dinner night with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe is delightfully straightforward because each ingredient brings something unique to the party—whether it’s texture, flavor, or moisture. Having the right balance ensures your stuffing turns out incredibly flavorful and perfectly moist without being soggy.
- 1 lb ground sausage: The backbone of the dish, providing savory depth and a rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness and a bit of tender crunch that compliments the sausage.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Introduces freshness and subtle crunch to balance the texture.
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and a juicy contrast that brightens the stuffing.
- 8 cups cubed bread, toasted: Using toasted bread cubes ensures your stuffing absorbs flavors without turning mushy.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Moistens everything beautifully while enhancing the savory profile.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bring all the ingredients together harmoniously.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: A classic blend that spices up the stuffing with warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing every element and balancing the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground sausage until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges. This not only locks in the flavor but also adds a lovely texture. Remove the sausage and set it aside, then use the same skillet to soften the chopped onion and celery. Cooking these veggies releases their natural sweetness, which will wonderfully complement the sausage and apples.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, in your crockpot, toss together the toasted bread cubes, browned sausage, sautéed onion and celery, and chopped apples. Pour the melted butter and chicken broth over the mixture, then sprinkle the poultry seasoning along with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated but still hold their shape.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and let the stuffing cook for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking allows all the flavors to marry beautifully while keeping the bread moist without turning mushy. Resist the urge to stir too often; let it develop a slight crust at the edges for those irresistible, slightly crispy bites.
How to Serve Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe
Garnishes
To add a pop of color and fresh flavor, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top just before serving. Some toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch while complementing the sweet and savory notes of this stuffing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic roast turkey or chicken, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday meals. For a seasonal twist, roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots make excellent, vibrant side dishes that complement the stuffing’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out baked apples or mini pumpkin bowls. Not only does this elevate your presentation, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor and rustic charm that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes beautifully. Simply place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months, giving you a perfect ready-to-go side dish for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture, uncover in the last 5 minutes for a crispier top if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground pork sausage is traditional, you can swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a spicy Italian-style sausage depending on your taste preferences. Each option will lend its own unique flavor twist to the stuffing.
Is it necessary to toast the bread cubes beforehand?
Yes, toasting the bread cubes is an essential step. It helps them hold their shape and prevents the stuffing from becoming too mushy after absorbing the broth and other ingredients.
Can I prepare this stuffing without a crockpot?
You can make this stuffing in the oven by baking it in a covered dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour. Just make sure to check and add a little extra broth if it looks dry while baking.
How do the apples affect the overall flavor?
The apples bring a subtle natural sweetness and moist texture that perfectly balances the savory sausage and herbs, giving this stuffing a delightful complexity that stands out from traditional recipes.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or nuts for an umami-rich texture and flavor boost to make it just as hearty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe that makes it a treasured dish in my kitchen, and I hope it will become one in yours too. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and brings a warm, festive spirit to any meal. Once you try it, I’m sure this cozy, flavorful stuffing will quickly become your go-to recipe for gatherings big and small!
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Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple recipe that combines savory sausage, fragrant poultry seasoning, fresh apples, and toasted bread cubes cooked slowly in the crockpot for a moist and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground sausage
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
Base
- 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
Liquids & Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. This step adds rich flavor and protein to the stuffing.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then add the chopped apples and cook for an additional 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables and apples. Pour in melted butter, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot insert. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Stuffing: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or until the stuffing is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain moisture.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork and serve warm as a delicious side dish for your meal.
Notes
- To make this stuffing gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.
- Make sure to toast the bread cubes before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust poultry seasoning and salt according to your taste preference.
- For a crispier top, you can transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- This dish keeps well refrigerating leftovers for up to 3 days.
