If you’re ready to wow your holiday guests or simply want a cozy, flavor-packed side for Sunday dinner, Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This recipe brings together savory sausage, sweet-tart apples, and aromatic herbs, all tossed with cubes of bread and then slow-cooked to golden, mouthwatering perfection. The result is a stuffing that’s both moist and fluffy, with just the right amount of crispy edges—no oven required! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just craving something special, this dish is a breeze to prepare and guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, honest ingredients are what make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple shine. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.
- Ground sausage: Adds rich, savory notes and a meaty bite; choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Unsalted butter: Provides essential richness and helps sauté the veggies for a buttery base.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth, melting beautifully into the stuffing.
- Celery: Offers a fresh crunch and classic stuffing flavor that balances out richer ingredients.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp lend a subtle tang and juicy sweetness that complement the sausage.
- Fresh sage: Adds earthy, woodsy notes that make the stuffing taste extra festive.
- Dried thyme: Infuses a gentle herbal aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and brings balance to the dish.
- Black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and depth.
- Day-old bread cubes: White, sourdough, or cornbread soak up all the goodness and create that perfect stuffing texture.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful, ensuring the stuffing isn’t dry.
- Eggs: Bind the stuffing, giving it structure while staying light and fluffy.
- Fresh parsley: (Optional) A pop of green freshness for a beautiful finish.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning your ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it get beautifully golden and fully cooked through. Once the sausage is ready, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and set it aside. This step builds the foundation of flavor that will infuse every bite of your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Apples
In the same skillet (no need to wash—those flavorful sausage bits are gold!), melt the butter. Add in the chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Toss in your diced apples, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, then take the skillet off the heat. This aromatic mixture brings both sweetness and herbaceous notes to the stuffing.
Step 3: Combine with Bread Cubes
Add your bread cubes to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Pour the veggie-apple mixture over the top and gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated. The bread will start to soak up all those delicious flavors, creating the hearty base for your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple.
Step 4: Mix Broth and Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread, sausage, and veggies, tossing gently as you go. Start with 2 1/2 cups of broth and add more only if your bread is especially dry — you want everything moist but not soggy. This step ensures the stuffing is luscious and holds together beautifully.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Grease your 6-quart slow cooker, then transfer the stuffing mixture inside, spreading it out evenly. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Give it a gentle stir halfway through to guarantee even texture. When it’s ready, the edges will be a touch crispy and the interior perfectly set. That’s when you know your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is ready for the table!
How to Serve Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple
Garnishes
Finish your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it also brings a fresh, herby note that brightens up every serving. A sprinkle of extra sage or even some toasted pecans can also make each bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This stuffing is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it absolutely loves company! Pair it with classic roast turkey, juicy roast chicken, or glazed ham for a full holiday spread. For a vegetarian plate, try serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a vibrant cranberry sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to make a memorable impression, try spooning the stuffing into individual ramekins for personal servings, or use it to stuff roasted acorn squash halves for a stunning vegetarian centerpiece. Leftover Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple even makes a delicious base for breakfast—simply top with a fried or poached egg!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day sandwiches or quick lunches.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on holiday prep? You can freeze this stuffing! Cool it completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot (about 20-30 minutes). For smaller servings, the microwave works too. If the stuffing seems a bit dry, splash on a little extra chicken broth before reheating to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all those cozy, savory flavors.
What type Side Dish
Day-old white bread, sourdough, or even cornbread are all fantastic. The key is that the bread is a bit dry so it can soak up all the flavorful liquid without turning mushy.
Can I prepare Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple the night before?
You sure can! Prep all your ingredients and refrigerate them overnight. Just wait to add the broth and eggs until right before you’re ready to cook, so the bread doesn’t get too soggy.
How do I keep the stuffing from getting too mushy in the slow cooker?
Start with dry, day-old bread and don’t add all the broth at once. Mix in just enough to moisten the bread, and check the texture halfway through cooking. A gentle stir can help distribute moisture evenly.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches to be sure everything cooks evenly. You want to avoid overfilling the crockpot, so the stuffing gets those delicious crispy bits around the edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple, you’re in for a treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. With its unbeatable blend of savory and sweet, plus the convenience of hands-off slow cooking, this recipe is a surefire way to bring warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Print
Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday side dish that combines savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs. Cooked slowly in a crockpot, it results in a moist and flavorful stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (white, sourdough, or cornbread)
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables and apples: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped celery, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced apples, fresh sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and add this mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
- Combine with bread: Add the cubed day-old bread to the bowl and toss well with the sausage and vegetable mixture to distribute evenly.
- Mix broth and eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour the liquid mixture over the stuffing and gently toss until all ingredients are moistened. Start with 2 1/2 cups broth and add more if the bread appears too dry.
- Cook in the slow cooker: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the stuffing is set and lightly crisp around the edges. Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure an even texture.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a comforting holiday side dish.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using seasoned sausage or mixing in dried cranberries or chopped pecans.
- This stuffing can be made ahead by preparing all ingredients and refrigerating overnight; add broth and eggs just before cooking.
- Use day-old bread for best texture, but fresh bread can be dried in the oven if needed.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent uneven moisture and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
