This Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing is the kind of comforting holiday side dish that everyone scoops seconds of. It has the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with browned sausage, crisp-tender apples, and aromatic herbs folded into buttery cubes of bread. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just craving a cozy casserole, this stuffing hits every note.

The sausage adds rich flavor while the apples bring a subtle natural sweetness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. It bakes up with crisp edges and a moist, flavorful center. It’s a dish that feels familiar but still brings a little something extra to the table. Serve it as a standout side or enjoy leftovers as a light meal on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing

You’ll love how this stuffing combines hearty, rustic ingredients into a comforting classic. It’s simple to make, loaded with texture, and incredibly versatile. You can prep it ahead of time, adjust it to your taste, and it goes with just about any main dish. This is a no-fail favorite that’s guaranteed to impress your guests without stressing you out in the kitchen.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The best stuffing starts with the right bread. You’ll want a sturdy loaf—think French bread, sourdough, or Italian—something that holds up to all the mix-ins and baking without turning soggy. Day-old bread is ideal because it’s a little drier, which means it soaks up the broth and flavors without falling apart. Avoid overly soft sandwich breads if you want that satisfying mix of soft center and crisp golden top.

Ingredients for the Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing is all about layering flavor, and this recipe uses ingredients that each bring something special. From savory sausage to fresh herbs, these elements come together in one cozy, craveable bake.

Italian sausage: Adds a deeply savory, slightly spicy base that flavors the entire dish.
Apples: Choose a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a sweet-tart bite that won’t get mushy.
Celery: Gives a fresh, crisp texture that complements the softness of the bread.
Onion: Provides aromatic depth and natural sweetness.
Garlic: Brings bold, fragrant flavor.
Fresh thyme and sage: Classic herbs that define traditional stuffing.
Chicken broth: Moistens the bread and ties the flavors together.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the top crisp up beautifully.
Eggs: Bind everything together for that classic casserole texture.
Day-old bread cubes: The foundation that soaks up every bit of flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.

How To Make the Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Cut your day-old bread into bite-sized cubes and toast them in the oven at 300°F until dry and golden. This helps them hold up in the stuffing without turning soggy.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Apples and Herbs

Stir in chopped apples and cook for a few more minutes. Add in the fresh thyme and sage, letting everything mingle until aromatic.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed mixture. Whisk together the eggs and chicken broth, then pour over the bread. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

How to Serve and Store This Stuffing

This Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing is perfect as a side dish for turkey, pork, or chicken, making it ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It feeds about 8 people generously as a side. Serve it warm right from the oven, or let it sit for 10 minutes to set before serving.

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and add a splash of broth to revive the texture. You can also freeze individual portions for up to two months—great for meal prepping or saving a bit of holiday comfort for later.

What to Serve With Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing?

Roast Turkey with Gravy

The ultimate holiday pairing. The stuffing soaks up the savory juices from the turkey and gravy perfectly.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright and crisp green beans offer a fresh balance to the rich flavors of the stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce

Sweet-tart cranberry sauce complements the apples in the stuffing and adds a pop of color.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes alongside stuffing? It’s a comfort food dream come true.

Maple Roasted Carrots

The caramelized sweetness of roasted carrots plays beautifully with the savory sausage.

Baked Ham

If you’re serving ham instead of turkey, this stuffing still works as the ideal sidekick.

Cornbread Muffins

Serve a bread-on-bread delight by adding cornbread muffins to the table for even more texture.

Apple Cider

As a drink pairing, warm apple cider echoes the flavors in the stuffing and brings fall coziness full circle.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious dishes:

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake for a bubbly, golden vegetable side.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes for something rich, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole if you’re feeling a little fancy and want something with seafood.
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a sweet-savory bite-size treat.
Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf to serve warm and fluffy alongside your stuffing.