Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites

Every Thanksgiving, my family has a tradition of gathering around the table to share our favorite dishes, and this year, I couldn’t help but think about how much everyone loves Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites. These little gems are more than just a side dish; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring warmth and comfort to our gatherings. I remember the first time I made them—watching the joy on my family’s faces as they took their first bites was priceless. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the apple adding a delightful twist to a classic stuffing.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you sauté the onions and celery in butter while the sausage cooks to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversations and creates memories. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

As we sit together, sharing stories and laughter, these Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites become the highlight of our meal. Each morsel is packed with flavor, and when paired with a drizzle of gravy or a side of cranberry sauce, it’s simply heavenly. If you’ve never made stuffing bites before, you’re in for a treat! This dish is not only perfect for Thanksgiving but can also be enjoyed during any fall gathering or family dinner.

Everything You Need for Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites

When it comes to the ingredients for Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites, each one plays a vital role in creating the ultimate flavor profile. The blend of savory and sweet enhances the dish, making it a perfect companion to your holiday table. Here are the key players:

• 1/2 baguette, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups): This forms the base of the stuffing, providing a hearty texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sautéed veggies.
• 1 tablespoon oil: Used to cook the sausage to a golden brown.
• 2 sweet apple sausage links, chopped (about 1 cup): The star ingredient that gives the stuffing its unique flavor.
• 1 medium apple, chopped (gala, fuji, or golden delicious): Adds a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Provides a savory punch and aromatic flavor.
• 2 stalks celery, diced (about 3/4 cup): Adds crunch and freshness.
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme: Enhances the flavor with its earthy notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1 cup low sodium chicken stock: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder for the stuffing mixture.

Recipe Directions for Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites. It’s a straightforward process, and I’m here to guide you through it.

1. First, preheat your oven to 300°F. This temperature is perfect for toasting the bread cubes, ensuring they dry out and absorb the flavors later on.

2. Next, toast the bread cubes in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial—if you have day-old bread, you can skip this toasting step. You want them to be dry and slightly crunchy, as this helps them hold up when mixed with the other ingredients.

3. Once toasted, increase the oven temperature to 350°F. This is the temperature where the magic happens—where your stuffing bites will bake to perfection!

4. In a sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sausage is slightly golden. Remove the cooked sausage and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool.

5. In the same sauté pan, add the butter and allow it to melt. Next, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Follow this by adding the diced celery, chopped apples, and thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through and tender. It’s important to let this mixture cool for a few minutes before moving on.

6. In your large mixing bowl with the cooled sausage, add the toasted bread cubes, the cooled sautéed mixture, and all remaining ingredients. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to scramble the eggs if the mixture is too hot!

7. Grease your muffin tins, then scoop the stuffing mixture into each cup, filling them to the top. Use your hands to pack them down firmly; this helps them hold their shape during baking.

8. Finally, place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are just golden and crispy, making them look absolutely inviting!

9. Once baked, let your Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This step is key for ensuring they stay together when you pop them out!

Making Adjustments

Whether you want to tweak the flavors or make this dish your own, here are some tips:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the prepared and baked stuffing bites! Just ensure they are cooled completely before freezing. They can last up to a month.
• Pairing: These bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and gravy or a fresh salad.
• Herbs: Feel free to mix in some other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor.
• Veggies: You can add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spiciness: For a little kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to your sausage.

What to Serve With Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites

When it comes to serving Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites, the possibilities are endless!

• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots complements the stuffing’s flavors beautifully.
• Cranberry Sauce: Serve them with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a refreshing contrast to the savory bites.
• Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stuffing.
• Gravy: Don’t forget to drizzle some homemade gravy on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Occasion: These stuffing bites are perfect for Thanksgiving, but they also make great appetizers for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best results.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites are not just a dish; they’re a warm embrace on a plate. Each bite is packed with flavor, making them the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. I encourage you to try making them for your next occasion. You and your guests will surely adore these delicious bites. They’ll quickly become a beloved staple at your table!

Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites

The ultimate comfort food, Apple Sausage Stuffing Bites blend sweet and savory flavors in a delightful way! These easy bites are perfect for any gathering, whether it's a special occasion or a casual get-together. With their crispy edges and fluffy interiors, they will satisfy your cravings and are sure to impress your guests. Serve them warm and enjoy the deliciousness tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizers, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 baguette baguette, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 links sweet apple sausage, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium apple, chopped (gala, fuji, or golden delicious)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
2. Toast the bread cubes for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are dry and slightly crunchy.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
4. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
5. In the same sauté pan, melt the butter, then add the diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the diced celery, chopped apples, and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Let cool.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage, toasted bread cubes, and cooled sautéed mixture. Toss gently.
7. Grease muffin tins and scoop the stuffing mixture into each cup, filling them to the top and packing it down firmly.
8. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
9. Allow to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before removing them.

Notes

• Cooked Meat: Always use fully cooked sausage in your stuffing muffins.
• Let the Ingredients Cool: Allow ingredients to cool slightly before adding beaten eggs.
• Let Rest: Allow the muffins to rest about 10 minutes in the pan.
• Prepare the Mix in Advance: Make the stuffing mixture a day ahead.
• Reheat: Bake the stuffing bites completely the day before.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.