Spicy Sausage & Apple Skillet Stuffing

Elevate your holiday meals with this delicious Spicy Sausage & Apple Skillet Stuffing. Combining the bold flavor of spicy Italian sausage and the tartness of Granny Smith apples, this dish brings a unique twist to traditional stuffing. Enhanced with fresh herbs and crusty bread, it offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet. Easy to prepare and perfect for festive occasions or casual dinners, this stuffing is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups crusty bread, cubed (preferably day-old)

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced

1 cup celery, diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tsp dried sage

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

3 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the spicy Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Add Apple and Herbs: Stir in the diced Granny Smith apple, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apple softens slightly.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cubed bread, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Incorporate Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring the mixture to evenly distribute the liquid. Make sure the bread cubes absorb the broth and everything is combined.

Cook Stuffing: Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow the stuffing to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the bread is soft but retains a bit of texture.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a savory side dish or as a main dish for a fantastic meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 servings