Nothing says comfort and holiday cheer quite like Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple. This recipe takes all the savory, herby goodness of classic stuffing and infuses it with sweet-tart apples and savory Italian sausage, then lets the slow cooker work its magic. You end up with a moist, flavor-packed dressing that frees up valuable oven space and guarantees happy faces at the table. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and show-stopping enough for your Thanksgiving spread!

Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is that it uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that truly shine together. Each one plays a key role in delivering layers of flavor and the perfect texture we all crave in great stuffing.

Ground Italian sausage: Adds fabulous savory richness and spice; choose mild or hot depending on your crowd’s taste.
Unsalted butter: Gives silky depth and that classic buttery stuffing flavor.
Yellow onion: Brings mellow sweetness and aroma to the stuffing’s base.
Celery: Lends both fresh flavor and a little crunch for a balanced bite.
Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Their juicy, slightly tart sweetness is the unexpected star that takes this dish to the next level.
Garlic: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Fresh sage and thyme: These classic herbs deliver deep, earthy notes and that unmistakable “holiday” flavor.
Dried cubed bread: Forms the hearty backbone of the stuffing—make sure it’s dried out for the best texture!
Chicken broth: Soaks into every bite for incredible moistness and savory depth.
Eggs: Bind everything together, giving the stuffing its tender, cohesive structure.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Chopped fresh parsley: Totally optional, but offers a pop of color and freshness at serving time.

How to Make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet set over medium heat. As the sausage cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Scooping out the sausage and setting it aside gives you a chance to build even more flavor with the next ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Apples

Melt the butter in the same skillet, making sure to scrape up all those delicious sausage bits. Toss in the diced onion and chopped celery, cooking until everything softens and turns a little translucent—typically around 5-6 minutes. Add the diced apples and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, sage, and thyme last, letting them become fragrant for about a minute.

Step 3: Mix the Bread and Goodies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with your cooked sausage, then add the warm vegetable and apple mixture. Toss them together so every bite gets a little bit of everything. This is where that signature Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple aroma really starts to come alive!

Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs until well blended. Pour this liquid gold over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently to make sure all the bread cubes get evenly moistened. Don’t over-mix; just a gentle toss does the trick.

Step 5: Crockpot Magic

Spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with a bit of nonstick spray. Transfer the entire stuffing mixture into the crock and smooth out the top. Cover and let your Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the center is set and everything smells amazing. Give it a gentle stir before serving and top with fresh parsley if you’d like a burst of color!

How to Serve Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple

Garnishes

A hearty sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley is my go-to garnish for Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple—it adds a fresh, herby note and brightens up the entire dish. If you want to get extra festive, try a scatter of fresh thyme leaves or even a few pomegranate seeds for a holiday pop.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs perfectly with classic Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey or glazed ham, but it’s just as good alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a juicy meatloaf. Add a simple green salad or some garlicky roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded (and colorful) holiday feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a chic twist, scoop Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple into individual ramekins for dinner-party style servings, or pile it into a shallow serving dish and sprinkle with extra herbs for rustic family-style charm. You can even stuff it into roasted acorn squash halves or use it to fill boneless chicken breasts for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or delicious midnight snacking.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple! Transfer cooled stuffing to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat in a 325°F oven (covered with foil) until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings; just sprinkle with a bit of extra broth to keep things moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the sausage and swap in vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies for more substance.

What’s the best bread to use?

A hearty white or sourdough bread works beautifully, but you can use whole wheat or even a rustic country loaf. The key is making sure the bread is properly dried out for the best texture.

Can I assemble the stuffing ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble everything the night before and store the uncooked mixture in your fridge. In the morning, simply pour into your slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.

Can I double the recipe?

It’s possible if you have a large enough slow cooker! Make sure your crockpot has enough capacity, and keep in mind you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the center sets properly.

What if my stuffing is too dry?

No worries—just drizzle in a bit of warm chicken broth and gently stir. Cover and let it steam for a few extra minutes in the slow cooker until it reaches your preferred level of moistness.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple yet, you are in for a treat! It’s cozy, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser—plus, you get to relax while the slow cooker does all the work. Give it a whirl and see just how delicious and simple your next celebration can be.

Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic holiday side dish. The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious stuffing that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffing:

1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
12 cups dried cubed bread (about 1 loaf)
2 ½ cups chicken broth
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and celery until softened. Add apples and cook for a few minutes. Stir in garlic, sage, and thyme.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. In another bowl, whisk together chicken broth and eggs. Pour over the stuffing and mix well.
Cook in Crockpot: Transfer the mixture to a greased crockpot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until set. Stir before serving.