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High Protein Turkey Sausage Stuffing with Apples

High Protein Turkey Sausage Stuffing with Apples - recipe card
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A savory, herb-scented stuffing that packs 20 grams of protein per serving, thanks to turkey sausage, eggs, and bone broth. Diced apples and celery add sweetness and crunch, while the eggs and broth create a moist, custardy interior with a golden, crisp top. It’s the perfect high-protein side dish for holidays or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (227g) crusty whole-grain bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (454g) lean turkey sausage, casings removed if present
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken bone broth
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden and dry to the touch. This step ensures the bread won’t turn mushy when combined with the wet ingredients.
  2. While the bread toasts, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The sausage should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In the same skillet, add the onion and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and garlic and cook for 2 minutes more, until fragrant. The apples should begin to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  4. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet along with the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to bloom the herbs. Remove from heat.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and bone broth until well blended. This mixture will bind the stuffing and add moisture.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, the sausage-vegetable mixture, and the egg-broth mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
  7. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or 2-quart casserole). Press down lightly with a spatula to create an even layer. For a crispier top, dot with a little extra olive oil if desired.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 160°F / 71°C). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. This allows the stuffing to firm up for easier serving.

Notes

Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through (165°F / 74°C). For a crispier top, uncover during the last 5 minutes. Make-ahead: Assemble the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cold. Protein boost: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a fried egg on top for extra protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein stuffing, turkey sausage stuffing, apple stuffing, healthy stuffing, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, sausage and apple stuffing, protein packed stuffing, Christmas stuffing, Thanksgiving stuffing, easy stuffing recipe, savory stuffing

Find it online: https://thehighproteinrecipes.com/high-protein-turkey-sausage-stuffing-with-apples/