If you’re searching for the ultimate Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing recipe to elevate your holiday table, look no further! This delightful dish, often referred to as a savory stuffing or dressing, is a quintessential Thanksgiving side. It combines the comforting flavors of seasoned bread, juicy sausage, and sweet crisp apples, all slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a moist and incredibly flavorful result without hogging precious oven space. This recipe is designed to be a standout, easy-to-prepare addition that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing
To create this delectable Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing, gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich flavor and delightful texture.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk): Choose a mild or spicy variety depending on your preference.
- 6 cups stale bread cubes: Day-old white or whole wheat bread, or a combination, works best. You can also lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven to dry them out.
- 2 medium apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work wonderfully for their balance of sweetness and tartness. Peel, core, and chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 1 large onion: Diced finely.
- 2 stalks celery: Diced finely.
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium is preferred, adjust seasoning later.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted.
- 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten.
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage: Finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried sage.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme: Finely chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground, or to taste.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing is a marvel of fall flavors, perfect for your holiday spread. Its simplicity belies its incredible taste, offering a satisfying side that frees up your oven for other dishes. With about 20 minutes of active prep, you can set it and forget it, leaving you with a wonderfully moist, flavorful dressing that everyone will adore.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl. In the same skillet, add a pat of butter (or a tablespoon of the rendered sausage fat) and sauté the diced onion and celery for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the chopped apples to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion, celery, and apples to the mixing bowl with the cooked sausage. Stir in the stale bread cubes, fresh sage, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Liquid Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined.
- Moisten the Dressing: Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and sausage mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the bread cubes are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dressing dense.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the entire dressing mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 2-2.5 hours. The dressing is ready when the edges are lightly browned, and an inserted thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid. For a slightly crispier topping, you can transfer the dressing to a baking dish and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving hot.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing
You are going to absolutely fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing because it perfectly encapsulates everything you want in a holiday side: rich flavor, incredible convenience, and a truly heartwarming aroma. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the harmonious blend of savory sausage, sweet, tender apples, and aromatic herbs, all melding together in a soft, moist bread base. Plus, making it in the slow cooker frees up valuable oven space during the crucial holiday cooking frenzy, making your kitchen a much less stressful place.
When you compare this to a traditional oven-baked stuffing, you’ll find this crockpot version often emerges even moister and more consistently cooked, thanks to the slow, gentle heat. The cost-saving benefits of cooking at home, especially for larger gatherings, are significant. You get a gourmet-quality side dish without the gourmet price tag, and you control the quality of the ingredients. The subtle sweetness of the apples cuts through the richness of the sausage beautifully, creating a balanced and utterly addictive flavor profile with each spoonful.
Ready to make your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner unforgettable? This Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Its vibrant flavors and comforting textures make it an irresistible addition to any festive meal, and the ease of preparation means you can focus on enjoying the company of loved ones. Don’t let another holiday pass without this incredible side dish gracing your table.
What to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing With
This versatile Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of classic holiday dishes and everyday meals. It’s truly the perfect accompaniment for:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The savory notes of the dressing are the ultimate complement to a beautifully roasted bird, soaking up all those delicious drippings.
- Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the apples in the dressing cuts through the richness of a glazed ham, creating a balanced flavor experience.
- Pork Loin or Chops: A rustic pork dish finds its perfect match in this hearty, flavorful dressing.
- Green Bean Casserole: For a classic Thanksgiving spread, serve it alongside a creamy green bean casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce offers a delightful contrast to the savory and slightly sweet dressing.
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: While it’s a starch itself, the dressing complements these classics beautifully, offering a different texture and flavor profile.
- Warm Dinner Rolls: For soaking up any extra deliciousness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing
Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing is all about a few key considerations. Follow these tips for a truly unforgettable side dish:
- Use Stale Bread: This is crucial! Fresh bread will absorb too much liquid and turn mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet, then bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dry.
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are generally forgiving, overcooking can lead to dry dressing. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended time, especially if you know your slow cooker runs hot. The dressing should be largely set and lightly browned on the edges.
- Sauté Aromatics and Apples: Don’t skip this step! Sautéing the onions, celery, and apples helps to soften them, develop their flavors, and release their natural sweetness, which deepens the overall taste of the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before you add the eggs and broth. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Remember, the flavors can mellow slightly during cooking.
- Crispy Top (Optional but Recommended): If you desire a crispy top, transfer the cooked dressing to a buttered baking dish and broil it for 5-10 minutes. Watch it closely, as broilers can quickly burn food.
- Don’t Pack It Too Tightly: When transferring the mixture to the slow cooker, gently spread it rather than pressing it down firmly. This allows for better air circulation and prevents the dressing from becoming too dense.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or hot), ground pork, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative can be used.
- Apples: Pears can be a delightful substitute for apples, adding a different subtle sweetness.
- Broth: Chicken, vegetable, or even turkey broth work well.
- Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Bread: Cornbread or sourdough can be used for a unique twist, just ensure they are stale.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing remains delicious and safe for future enjoyment, proper storage and reheating are key.
Storing:
Once the dressing has cooled completely to room temperature (usually within 1-2 hours after cooking), transfer it to an airtight container. This is crucial to prevent moisture loss and contamination. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dressing freezes beautifully. Place the cooled dressing in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Clearly label the container with the date it was prepared.
Reheating:
- From the refrigerator: For individual portions, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For a larger portion or if you prefer a crispier texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dressing in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil (which helps retain moisture), and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If you want some crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
- From the freezer: Thaw the frozen dressing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated dressing. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the oven, though it will take longer (around 45-60 minutes, still covered with foil initially, then uncovered). Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry during reheating.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing for your holiday table or a comforting weeknight meal is more than just making a side dish; it’s about adding a touch of warmth and incredible flavor convenience to your culinary repertoire. The ease of preparation combined with the rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile makes it a standout. This recipe simplifies your cooking without compromising on taste, ensuring you spend less time fussing over the oven and more time enjoying the company of those you love. Give it a try, and watch it become a cherished part of your family’s traditions.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Slow Cooker Sausage and Apple Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up. Drain excess grease and transfer sausage to a large mixing bowl. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add chopped apples and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 large onion, 2 stalks celery, 2 medium apples
- Add the sautéed onion, celery, and apples to the mixing bowl with the cooked sausage. Stir in the stale bread cubes, fresh sage, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.1 pound breakfast sausage, 6 cups stale bread cubes, 1 tablespoon fresh sage, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 medium apples, 1 large onion, 2 stalks celery
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined.1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs
- Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and sausage mixture. Gently fold everything together until all bread cubes are moistened. Do not overmix.6 cups stale bread cubes, 1 pound breakfast sausage
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock. Transfer the entire dressing mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 2-2.5 hours, until the edges are lightly browned and an inserted thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the lid. For a crispy topping, transfer dressing to a baking dish and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, before serving hot.1/4 cup fresh parsley