Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples Recipe

This Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples is a hearty and savory recipe, which is made with Italian sausage and Granny Smith apples. It’s the perfect holiday side dish, ready in about an hour and a half.

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Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples Ingredients

• 32 oz. white button or cremini mushrooms
• 4 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 cups cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups artisan/crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
• 2 cups diced onion
• 5 whole granny smith apples, large dice
• 5 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 32 oz. low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp. ground thyme
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric (more to taste)
• 2 tsp. rosemary, leaves minced
• 1/2 tsp. (additional) kosher salt
• black pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley, minced

How To Make Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples

1. Dry the bread: Spread the bread cubes out on cookie sheets and let them sit for several hours or overnight, until dried out.
2. Roast the mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Toss the mushrooms in a bowl with canola oil and ½ teaspoon of salt. Spread them on two sheet pans and roast for at least 20 minutes, stirring once, until they are deep brown. Set aside.
3. Cook the sausage and apples: In a large skillet, crumble and brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and brown them for five minutes. Increase the heat to high, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until deep golden brown.
4. Make the pan sauce: Decrease the heat to medium and pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Stir and cook to reduce the liquid by half, about two to three minutes.
5. Combine the dressing: In a very large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, the browned sausage, the roasted mushrooms, and the apple/onion mixture from the skillet.
6. Add broth and seasonings: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the thyme, turmeric, rosemary, ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper, heating for a few minutes. Gradually pour the chicken broth into the bread mixture, tossing gently to combine. Add enough broth to moisten the bread to your liking.
7. Bake the dressing: Check the seasonings, stir in the minced parsley, and pour the mixture into a large baking dish or iron skillet. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the best flavor? Browning the mushrooms at a very high heat gives them a deep, meaty flavor. Using the same pan to cook the sausage, onions, and apples builds layers of flavor that are essential for a delicious dressing.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare all the components—the dried bread, roasted mushrooms, and the cooked sausage and apple mixture—a day in advance. Store them in separate containers and assemble just before baking.
• What kind of bread is best? A combination of cornbread for its sweet flavor and crumbly texture, and a sturdy, crusty bread like French or artisan bread for structure, is ideal. Using day-old, stale bread is perfect.
• How to prevent a soggy dressing? Drying the bread cubes out overnight is the most crucial step. Also, add the broth gradually, tossing as you go, until you reach your desired moisture level. You may not need to use all of the liquid.

What To Serve With Cornbread Dressing

This is a classic holiday side dish that is a must-have on the table.

• Roast Turkey with Gravy
• Glazed Holiday Ham
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Fresh Cranberry Sauce

How To Store Cornbread Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The baked dressing freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Cornbread Dressing Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

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