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
Scale
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
