Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Side Dish for Any Holiday Table

When it comes to holiday meals, stuffing is an essential side dish. But rather than spending time hovering over the stove, why not make it easier and just as delicious by preparing it in a crockpot? This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple combines the savory flavors of seasoned sausage with the sweetness of apple and the earthy taste of fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s bursting with autumnal flavors. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy family gathering, this stuffing is designed to save you oven space and time while still delivering that homemade, comforting taste everyone loves. With easy prep and slow cooking, this crockpot stuffing frees you up to focus on other dishes and enjoy your holiday. Let’s dive into this simple, scrumptious recipe!

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• 10 cups cubed bread, dried (a mix of white and whole grain works well)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for extra sweetness)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • If using fresh bread, cut it into 1-inch cubes, then spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry it out slightly. You can also leave the bread out overnight to dry naturally.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, onion, celery, diced apple, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything together gently.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and broth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat. Make sure the bread cubes are moistened, but not soggy.
6. Transfer to Crockpot:
   • Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot, pressing it down gently to fit.
7. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the edges don’t burn. The stuffing should be moist with slightly crispy edges when done.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm directly from the crockpot for an easy, no-fuss presentation.

Cooking Tips:

• Drying the Bread: Use stale bread or toast fresh bread cubes. This prevents the stuffing from becoming too mushy.
• Sausage Selection: Choose sausage based on your preference. Mild adds flavor without overpowering, while spicy adds a bit of heat.
• Add-ins: For a bit of tartness, add dried cranberries or raisins. For extra texture, incorporate walnuts or pecans.
• Liquid Adjustment: Adjust the broth amount based on your preferred stuffing texture. Add more for a moister stuffing, less for a drier texture.
• Checking for Doneness: Use a spoon to check the bottom of the crockpot stuffing. If it’s too moist, uncover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

This crockpot stuffing is not only delicious but also nutritious! The sausage provides a good source of protein, while the apple adds fiber and vitamin C. The herbs, like sage and thyme, are rich in antioxidants, adding not only flavor but also health benefits. The celery and onion add dietary fiber and contribute to your daily vegetable intake, while the bread provides carbohydrates, making this stuffing a filling and energizing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Cooking in a crockpot is a dream during the holidays. You can simply set it and move on to other preparations.
• Perfectly Moist and Flavorful: Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a stuffing that’s moist with just the right amount of crispiness around the edges.
• Versatile Side Dish: This stuffing pairs well with turkey, chicken, or ham, making it ideal for a wide range of holiday menus.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild sweetness from the apple combined with savory sausage makes this a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Dietary Information:

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: ~220 calories per serving (estimate, varies by specific sausage and bread used)
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

This recipe can be adjusted to be:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and sausage to reduce the sodium content.

Why This Recipe Works:

The combination of savory sausage, sweet apple, and aromatic herbs creates a perfectly balanced stuffing that has layers of flavor in every bite. The slow-cooking process allows these flavors to meld, making the stuffing both tender and flavorful without the risk of drying out in the oven. Additionally, the use of the crockpot frees up precious oven space, which is particularly useful during busy holiday cooking times. Each ingredient has a role in this dish, from the bread that soaks up the flavorful broth to the fresh herbs that add a pop of earthiness, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is bound to become a new holiday favorite. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and packed with flavor—perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive meal. The addition of apple brings a hint of sweetness that balances well with the savory sausage, while the herbs make it aromatic and hearty. Plus, with the ease of crockpot cooking, you can focus on enjoying the holiday rather than constantly checking on your side dishes. Serve this stuffing warm, directly from the crockpot, for a rustic, homey touch that your family and friends will love.

Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on highPrint
  

  Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Side Dish for Any Holiday Table

  ---

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 3hrs 15mins

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  When it comes to holiday meals, stuffing is an essential side dish. But rather than spending time hovering over the stove, why not make it easier and just as delicious by preparing it in a crockpot? This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple combines the savory flavors of seasoned sausage with the sweetness of apple and the earthy taste of fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s bursting with autumnal flavors. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy family gathering, this stuffing is designed to save you oven space and time while still delivering that homemade, comforting taste everyone loves. With easy prep and slow cooking, this crockpot stuffing frees you up to focus on other dishes and enjoy your holiday. Let’s dive into this simple, scrumptious recipe!

   

  ---

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 10 cups cubed bread, dried (a mix of white and whole grain works well)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for extra sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)

  Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

  ---

  Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread:
     • If using fresh bread, cut it into 1-inch cubes, then spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry it out slightly. You can also leave the bread out overnight to dry naturally.
  2. Cook the Sausage:
     • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
  3. Sauté Vegetables:
     • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Mix Ingredients:
     • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, onion, celery, diced apple, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
     • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and broth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat. Make sure the bread cubes are moistened, but not soggy.
  6. Transfer to Crockpot:
     • Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot, pressing it down gently to fit.
  7. Cook:
     • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the edges don’t burn. The stuffing should be moist with slightly crispy edges when done.
  8. Serve:
     • Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm directly from the crockpot for an easy, no-fuss presentation.

  • Prep Time: 15mins
  • Cook Time: 3hrs