Creating Best Sausage And Apple Stuffing is easy when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Apples and Herbs: Stir in the diced apples, cranberries or raisins (if using), parsley, sage, and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the apples start to soften.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sausage-vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine.
6. Add Broth: Gradually pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring to thoroughly moisten the bread. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
7. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
9. Dot with Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and dot it over the top of the stuffing.
10. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Following these steps will help you create a stuffing that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.