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To craft this extraordinary stuffing, it’s essential to understand the role each ingredient plays in building flavor and texture. Let's delve into the key components that make this dish a standout.

Spicy Sausage & Apple Skillet Stuffing

Elevate your next holiday meal with Spicy Sausage & Apple Skillet Stuffing, a delicious twist on the classic dish. This flavorful recipe combines the heat of spicy Italian sausage and the sweetness of diced apples, creating a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. With aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and optional add-ins like dried cranberries and nuts, this stuffing is versatile enough for Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight dinner. Impress your guests and enjoy every comforting bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

4 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably sourdough or French bread)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium apples, cored and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the spicy Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little in the pan for flavor.

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

      Add Apples and Spices: Add the diced apples, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté until the apples start to soften, around 4-5 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cubed bread and dried cranberries (if using). Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring to combine until all the bread is moistened. If the stuffing seems dry, add more broth, a little at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

          Toast the Stuffing: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you like a bit of crunch, uncover for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

            Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans and fresh parsley before serving.

              Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish or a hearty main dish. This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a cozy vegetarian option.

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