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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 is my favorite holiday. The food, the family, the cozy atmosphere – it's all perfect. But let's be honest, the best part for me is always the stuffing. That savory, herby bread, bursting with flavor... it's pure comfort food. For years, I've only indulged in this deliciousness once a year, a real Thanksgiving tradition. But this year, I decided to change that. I wanted to recreate those warm, comforting flavors and enjoy them whenever the mood struck. And the result? These amazing mini sausage and apple stuffing muffins!
They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as appetizers at a party, a side dish with your roast chicken, or even a quick and satisfying snack. This recipe quickly became a staple in my weeknight rotation. It's the perfect way to add a touch of Thanksgiving magic to any meal, any day of the year. I've been known to even have them for breakfast, warmed up and paired with a fried egg; truly the best way to start a day!
The Inspiration: The idea struck me while planning a casual get-together with friends. I wanted something festive, something different, something that would evoke the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving without being overwhelming. The mini muffin size is perfect for portion control, allowing everyone to sample this delicious treat without feeling overly full. And the ease of preparation? It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights. No more hours spent slaving over a stove – these come together quickly and efficiently.
My Secret Ingredient: While I love a good traditional stuffing recipe, I've added a few personal touches that elevate this one. The honeycrisp apple, for instance, adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the sausage. And the addition of fresh sage? Don't even get me started! The subtle earthy notes are just magnificent. But my true secret weapon is the use of Hillshire Farm® rope smoked sausage. It’s got that amazing smoky flavor that just screams autumn. And honestly, it makes all the difference.
Beyond Thanksgiving: I’ve been experimenting with different variations of this recipe. I’ve tried adding cranberries for an extra burst of tartness, and experimenting with different types of bread – challah, even brioche work wonderfully. The possibilities are endless! And for those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply swap out the sausage for some roasted butternut squash or mushrooms. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
A Recipe for All Seasons: Honestly, this recipe has become more than just a Thanksgiving fallback. It's a celebration of flavor, a reminder of the warmth and comfort of my favorite holiday, and a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. This simple recipe is a culinary hug, perfect for chilly evenings, festive gatherings, or just a quiet night in. So, go ahead, embrace the deliciousness. Make these mini sausage and apple stuffing muffins and taste the magic of Thanksgiving all year round.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. These muffins are equally delightful both ways. You can also pair them with a side of cranberry sauce or a simple green salad for a more complete meal. I personally love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup; it's the little details that elevate an already fantastic dish.
Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to refresh their texture and flavor. You can also freeze these muffins for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll last for up to two months in the freezer.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you and if you made any modifications! Happy cooking!
