Description
A rich and comforting stuffing made with buttery croissants, savory sausage, herbs, tart apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries — perfect for holidays or special meals.
Ingredients
- 10 to 12 croissants, torn into 2–3 inch pieces
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more for greasing
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (chicken, turkey, or plant-based)
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large tart apple, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth (for deglazing)
- 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 to 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast croissant pieces on baking sheets for 12–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Set aside.
- Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook sausage until browned (about 7 minutes). Transfer sausage to a bowl and leave 1 tablespoon fat in the pot.
- Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pot, then cook onions and celery with salt and pepper for about 7 minutes. Add apple and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds, then add ½ cup broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes until mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked sausage, pecans, and cranberries. Gently fold in toasted croissants.
- Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. In a bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and 2 cups broth. Pour over croissant mixture, tossing gently. Add up to ½ cup more broth if mixture looks dry.
- Transfer to baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until top is golden. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for best texture — toast longer if very fresh.
- Substitute broth for wine to keep it family-friendly.
- Add mushrooms or extra veggies for a meatless version.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate — bring to room temp before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
