Rustic Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing
Rustic sausage, apple, and cranberry stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. It is made with simple ingredients that are readily available, and it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy hosts.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound bulk sausage (such as breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, onion, celery, and carrots.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the apple and cranberries to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the apples are softened.
5. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
6. Add the sausage mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
7. Pour the stuffing into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
9. Serve immediately.
Tips:
* For a more flavorful stuffing, use a spicy sausage.
* If you don't have time to cube the bread, you can use torn bread pieces.
* To make the stuffing ahead of time, prepare it according to the instructions and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring the stuffing to room temperature and then bake as directed.
Variations:
* Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing.
* Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing.
* Use a different type of fruit, such as pears or raisins, in place of the apples.
* Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or rye bread, in place of the French bread.