Apple Cider Pork Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork sausage (regular or even apple if you want to be really festive!)
  
  
• 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
  
• 2–3 celery stalks, diced
  
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  
  
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  
  
• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted)
  
  
• 1 cup chicken stock
  
  
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  
  
• Optional: ½ cup chopped apples or dried cranberries for a sweet note
  

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula.
   
   
2. Add apple cider vinegar:
   Once the sausage is cooked, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the vinegar to slightly reduce and coat the sausage, giving it a tangy depth.
   
   
3. Sauté vegetables:
   Add onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
   
   
4. Combine with bread:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with the cubed bread. If using, add apples or cranberries here. Pour in stock gradually, mixing until the bread is moist but not soggy. Adjust liquid as needed.
   
   
5. Bake the stuffing:
   Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and crispy.
   
   

Finish with parsley:
Stir in fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.