Apple Walnut Sausage Stuffing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I make my stuffing each year, I have no idea what’s going in it until I start making it. Like what kind of bread I want to use. I’ve used whatever bread I have on hand, cut it in cubes or tear it in chunks and toast it. I’ve used brioche, French baguettes, croissants, even hot dog and or hamburger rolls. I've even been known to use salad croutons!  And then I add my favorite to give it that perfect taste and texture.  

 

Apple Walnut Sausage Stuffing

 

8 cups 1-inch bread cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound mild ground pork sausage

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, diced

1 ½ cups sliced celery

2 Fuji apples, chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

2 ½ cups chicken stock

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 10-12 minutes; set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic, onion and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in apples, sage and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.

In a large bowl, combine bread, sausage, apple mixture, walnuts and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in chicken stock until absorbed and well combined.

Spread half the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add more apples and sausage.

Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. 

Place into oven and bake until top is browned, about 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until top is browned.

Serve immediately.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to Welcome Home.