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You can now enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving side dish all year long with this delicious appetizer.
You can now enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving side dish all year long with this delicious appetizer.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- cooking spray
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 6 cups cubed sourdough bread
- 8 ounces hillshire farm® rope smoked sausage, cut in 1/4" cubes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped honeycrisp apple
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- Carbohydrate 12.5
- Cholesterol 30
- Fat 4.2
- Protein 4.4
- Sodium 276
- Calories 104 calories;
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Coat a 24-cup mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Arrange bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake until toasted and dry, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and place in a large bowl.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high until foamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add sausage; cook about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add apple, onion, garlic, and sage; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apple and onion are slightly softened.
- Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
- Transfer to the bowl with bread.
- Add chicken stock, parsley, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and eggs to bowl with bread mixture; toss gently until moistened.
- Divide mixture among muffin cups.
- Bake until set, about 20 minutes.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes.
- Use a small offset spatula to carefully remove from pans; serve warm.
My Year-Round Thanksgiving Treat: A Simple Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe
Thanksgiving. The word conjures up images of family gathered around a table laden with food, the aroma of roasted turkey filling the air, and the comforting warmth of togetherness. But what about those delicious side dishes? For me, nothing beats a good stuffing, that savory blend of bread, herbs, and sausage that perfectly complements the main course. This recipe, however, is a twist on the classic – a mini-muffin version that’s perfect for any time of year, not just Thanksgiving.
I’ve always loved Thanksgiving, but as a busy working mom, finding the time to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal can be a challenge. This recipe allows me to capture that festive flavor without the hours-long preparation. These little bites of stuffing are incredibly versatile. They're great as appetizers at a holiday gathering, a comforting snack on a chilly evening, or even a fun addition to a casual lunch. The best part? They're easy enough to make even on a busy weeknight!
The key to this recipe lies in the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the honeycrisp apples perfectly complements the savory sausage and the aromatic herbs. The sourdough bread adds a delightful texture, and the chicken stock ensures everything stays moist and flavorful. I use Hillshire Farm® rope smoked sausage because it provides a fantastic smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. The quality of the ingredients truly makes a difference.
Why this recipe works:
- Portion control: The mini-muffin size makes it easy to control portions, perfect for appetizers or even a light meal.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Versatile: These can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish.
- Delicious flavors: The combination of sausage, apples, herbs, and sourdough bread creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, apples, or herbs to create your own unique variation.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also allows me to share a little bit of Thanksgiving magic throughout the year. It’s a small way to bring that sense of warmth and comfort into my everyday life, a reminder of the things I cherish most. Making these little stuffing muffins is a way for me to connect with those cherished Thanksgiving memories, even when the leaves aren't turning gold and the air isn't crisp with autumn's chill.
I often find myself making a double batch – one for immediate enjoyment, and another to freeze for those busy nights when a comforting and flavorful meal is needed in a hurry. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s a little slice of Thanksgiving, whenever I need it.
So, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving the taste of Thanksgiving, this mini-stuffing recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
- Substitute other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or breakfast sausage.
- Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji.
- Add some crumbled bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
- Use different types of bread, such as brioche or challah.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead (use about 1/3 the amount).
Enjoy the process of creating this flavorful and comforting dish, and savor every delicious bite! It’s more than just a recipe; it's a little bit of warmth and happy memories served up in a perfectly sized muffin tin.
