Savory Chestnut and Apple Turkey Sausage Stuffing
A delightful fusion of Italian and American flavors, this Savory Chestnut and Apple Turkey Sausage Stuffing features a delicious medley of sweet apples, hearty turkey sausage, and smoky chestnuts. Inspired by the beloved family recipe from Giada De Laurentiis' Aunt Raffy, this stuffing is perfect for holiday feasts or cozy gatherings. The combination of tender apples and tart cranberries adds a festive touch, while the cornbread base provides a satisfying texture. Elevate your dining experience with this flavorful, hearty stuffing that will impress your guests and bring joy to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
green apple
1 (cored and diced into 1-inch cubes)
red apple
1 (cored and diced into 1-inch cubes)
onion
1 (diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (none)
dried cranberries
1 (6 ounce) bag (none)
salt
1/2 tablespoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
sweet Italian turkey sausage
1 lb (meat removed from casing)
steamed whole chestnuts
8 ounces (whole or chopped as preferred)
day old cornbread
1/2 lb (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
1/2 cup (none)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (divided)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (pinched into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Begin by preparing the apples and onion: core the apples and dice them into 1-inch cubes; dice the onion into 1/2-inch cubes.
3
In a medium-low heat skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sauté the diced apples and onion until they are softened, about 10 minutes.
4
Add the dry white wine, dried cranberries, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed mixture and allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. When finished, remove from heat and let cool.
5
In a large pan over medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled apple and onion mixture, browned turkey sausage, chestnuts, and cornbread. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
7
Pour in the chicken broth and 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing again to combine. If the mixture appears too dry, add an additional 1/2 cup of broth.
8
Grease a large casserole dish (approximately 8.5 x 8.5 inches) with olive oil or pan spray. Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly without smashing the bread cubes.
9
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the stuffing, and dot with the 2 tablespoons of butter pieces.
10
Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this stuffing recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Chestnut and Apple Turkey Sausage Stuffing.
What culinary traditions influenced this dish?
This stuffing is a fusion of Italian and American flavors.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
It was inspired by a family recipe from Giada De Laurentiis' Aunt Raffy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How should the apples be prepared for the stuffing?
The apples should be cored and diced into 1-inch cubes.
What size should the onion be diced?
The onion should be diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
What is used to sauté the apples and onion?
They are sautéed in a combination of 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
How long should I sauté the apples and onions?
Sauté them over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
What ingredients are added to the skillet after the apples soften?
Add dry white wine, dried cranberries, salt, and black pepper.
How long does the wine and cranberry mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
How should the turkey sausage be cooked?
Cook it in a large pan over medium-high heat with olive oil, breaking it up with a spatula until browned.
What type of turkey sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for sweet Italian turkey sausage with the meat removed from the casing.
What kind of chestnuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of steamed whole chestnuts.
What is the bread base for this stuffing?
The base is 1/2 lb of day-old cornbread cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Is there an optional ingredient for extra heat?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
How much Parmesan cheese is mixed into the stuffing before baking?
You mix in 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
What should I do if the stuffing mixture looks too dry?
If the mixture appears dry, you can add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A large casserole dish, approximately 8.5 x 8.5 inches, is recommended.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the dish with olive oil or pan spray before adding the stuffing.
How should the stuffing be placed into the baking dish?
Transfer the mixture carefully and spread it evenly without smashing the bread cubes.
What is added to the top of the stuffing before it goes into the oven?
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and dot it with 2 tablespoons of butter pieces.
How long does the stuffing bake for?
Bake the stuffing for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Where in the oven should the stuffing be baked?
It should be baked on the middle rack of the oven.
How do you know when the stuffing is finished baking?
The stuffing is done when the top has turned golden brown.
What types of apples are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one green apple and one red apple.
How much total butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter is used (1 melted for sautéing and 2 for dotting the top).
Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use either reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine is recommended for this stuffing.
Is this dish suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday feasts.
What texture does the cornbread provide?
The cornbread base provides a satisfying and hearty texture to the stuffing.