Description

This Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage and Apple is a savory and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals. Featuring browned sausage, tender apples, aromatic herbs, and soft bread cubes, this stuffing is cooked low and slow in a crockpot for hands-off convenience and deep, blended flavors. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe that delivers moist, flavorful stuffing with a hint of sweetness from the apples and robust seasoning from sage and thyme.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Mixture

1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if needed)

Vegetables and Herbs

1 yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 apples, peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Base and Binder

12 cups dried bread cubes (white, sourdough, or a mix)
2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, draining any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables and Apples: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté the chopped yellow onion and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the peeled and diced apples, minced garlic, fresh or dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and the mixture is fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetable and apple mixture. Gradually pour in 2½ to 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to evenly moisten the bread but not make it soggy. Adjust the amount of broth based on your desired stuffing texture. Stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
Prepare Crockpot and Cook: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker using butter or nonstick spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the crockpot and spread evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the stuffing is cooked through and set.
Finish and Serve: Once done, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. For a crispier top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.

Notes

For a crispier top, transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
This recipe is perfect as a make-ahead holiday side dish; it reheats well and actually tastes better the next day.
To make this gluten-free, substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread.
Adjust the amount of broth based on how moist you prefer your stuffing.
You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American