Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Comfort Food

There are certain dishes that transcend mere sustenance, becoming etched into the fabric of our most cherished memories. For many, that dish is a perfectly crafted stuffing, brimming with savory and sweet notes, a comforting embrace that signifies the arrival of the holidays. This Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing is precisely that kind of culinary masterpiece – a perennial favorite, a must-have for our Thanksgiving feasts, and truly one of the best comfort foods I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Its incredible flavor profile and satisfying texture make it a standout on any table, and for busy hosts, the good news is it freezes perfectly, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness long after the holiday season has passed.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kraft. As always, all opinions are my own.

A Culinary Tradition: The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Stuffing

Stuffing, or dressing as it’s often called, holds a special place in the hearts of many families, particularly during the holiday season. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and often the dish people look forward to most. The aroma alone can transport you back to childhood Thanksgivings, filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the warm, inviting scents wafting from every corner of the house. While the traditional turkey and an array of pies, casseroles, and soups are certainly beloved, for my family, this sausage and apple stuffing has long been a cherished favorite. It truly is my absolute favorite stuffing recipe, and its reputation for deliciousness is well-deserved, attested to by family and friends far and wide!

Every year, as autumn leaves turn vibrant hues and the air grows crisp, my anticipation for Thanksgiving builds. While many traditions make the holiday special, the aroma of this particular stuffing simmering in the kitchen is a signal that true comfort is on its way. It’s a dish so profoundly satisfying, so rich in flavor, that it consistently earns a coveted spot on our holiday menu. I even find myself shamelessly licking the spoon after preparing it – a rare testament to its irresistible appeal from someone who typically gravitates towards sweet treats. This recipe holds such a profound significance that I know, without a doubt, it’s one I’ll proudly pass down to my daughter someday, along with countless other culinary legacies.

Crafting the Perfect Balance: Flavors and Textures

While my uncle’s exact stuffing recipe remains a closely guarded secret, this hearty, flavor-packed version stands as a strong contender. It’s undoubtedly going to grace my Thanksgiving table this year, and for good reason. This delicious side dish is remarkably simple to prepare, yet it delivers a warm, fluffy stuffing boasting a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender, moist interior. The magic lies in the symphony of flavors: the natural sweetness and slight tartness from the apples are beautifully complemented by the salty, robust, and subtly spiced Italian sausage. This savory foundation, combined with the earthy notes of sautéed celery, sweet onion, and fragrant sage, creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen and an even more exquisite taste. To elevate the dish further, I love incorporating tangy, crimson cranberries, which add a delightful burst of sweetness and a touch of vibrant color, offering a perfect sweet-tart finish to each bite.

The texture of a great stuffing is just as important as its flavor. We aim for a dish that is cohesive yet not mushy, with distinct pieces that offer a satisfying chew. The careful balance of ingredients ensures this stuffing achieves that ideal consistency, making it a truly unforgettable part of your holiday meal. Each forkful provides a delightful combination of soft cornbread, tender vegetables, juicy sausage, and chewy cranberries, all infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices that sing of home and hearth.

Embracing Convenience: The Secret to Stress-Free Holiday Cooking

In the past, achieving the perfect stuffing often involved toasting cubes of bread loaves, a time-consuming step that added to the already extensive holiday prep. However, life evolves, and with a little one now tugging on my leg, time has become an even more precious commodity. This newfound appreciation for efficiency led me to discover the wonderful convenience and flavor that Stove Top Stuffing Mixes bring to this sausage stuffing. The savory blend of spices and the perfectly sized morsels of bread found in these mixes are a true game-changer. They not only save significant time and effort on my part but also guarantee consistent, delicious results every single time. It’s why I find myself reaching for them not just every Thanksgiving, but also for simple, flavorful side dishes throughout the year.

This time around, I decided to experiment with their Cornbread blend, and it exceeded all expectations! The subtle creamy sweetness of the cornbread proved to be an exceptional complement, perfectly balancing out the salty, savory notes from the sausage and herbs in the stuffing. It added an extra layer of depth and comfort, transforming an already beloved recipe into something truly extraordinary. My “Louisiana guy,” with his discerning palate for Southern flavors, was particularly impressed, making it an undeniable hit at our table.

Simple Steps to a Stellar Stuffing: A Guided Recipe

Creating this magnificent stuffing is far simpler than its complex flavor profile might suggest, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The process begins with building a robust flavor base in a large skillet. Start by sizzling your Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory notes. Once the sausage is nearly cooked, add a generous knob of butter, along with finely diced celery, chopped onion, the crisp apple pieces, and a generous half teaspoon of dried sage and black pepper. Sauté these ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the apples have softened slightly, allowing their sweetness to meld with the savory elements. As these ingredients cook down, your kitchen will become flooded with the most fabulous, enticing aroma – a true preview of the deliciousness to come.

Once your aromatic base is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. This is when you’ll stir in the chicken broth and a beaten egg. The egg plays a vital role in binding all the components together, ensuring your finished stuffing is wonderfully cohesive and moist, rather than crumbly and dry. Next, gently fold in the dried cranberries, which will plump up slightly during baking and release their delightful tartness. Finally, add the Stove Top Stuffing Mix, tossing everything carefully until well combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense stuffing. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the mixture into a prepared baking dish, distributing it evenly. Pop it into a preheated 375-degree oven, covered with foil, for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stuffing to steam. After this initial baking, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully crisp and golden brown. For an elegant finish, garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh cranberries and a few fresh sage leaves before serving. It’s an easy, elegant, and utterly satisfying dish!

Beyond the Holidays: Versatility for Everyday Indulgence

While this Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing is an undeniable star of the Thanksgiving table, its versatility extends far beyond the holiday season. I wholeheartedly recommend making this stuffing often, as it pairs beautifully with a wide array of roasted meats and poultry, transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Imagine it alongside a succulent roast chicken, a tender pork loin, or even a simple pan-seared chicken breast – the savory-sweet combination elevates any meal. It’s also an excellent make-ahead dish; you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it just before serving, making it a fantastic option for entertaining or for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, homemade meal without the fuss.

Furthermore, this stuffing freezes exceptionally well. Simply bake it, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through. This convenience makes it perfect for enjoying delicious leftovers or having a gourmet side dish ready at a moment’s notice. Whether for the grand holiday feast or a cozy special weekday dinner, I truly hope you’ll work this mouthwatering, easy stuffing into your culinary repertoire and get to savor it for yourself. I guarantee that you, along with your family and friends, will absolutely love the incredible taste and delightful simplicity of this stuffing!

Click here for the full recipe details and instructions: Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing

Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tart apple (such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady), cored and chopped
• 1/2 tsp. each dried sage leaves and black pepper
• 1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Cornbread Stuffing Mix
• fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8×8-inch or other medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, crumbling with a spoon. Once sausage begins to brown, add butter, celery, onion, apple, sage and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat; stir in chicken broth and egg.
4. Stir in cranberries. Then add in the stuffing mix and stir to combine.
5. Pour into prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake until crisp, 15 to 20 minutes more. Top with fresh sage leaves.
6. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest