If you want a Thanksgiving centerpiece that’s hearty, flavorful, and festive, a Stuffed Turkey with Sausage & Apples is the perfect choice. I still remember making it for the first time—everyone was surprised by the sweet and savory stuffing tucked inside the golden, juicy turkey. The sausage brings richness, while apples add a fresh, slightly sweet note that balances beautifully. It’s a dish that feels both traditional and creative, guaranteed to impress your guests at the holiday table.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
1 lb sausage, casing removed
2 apples, peeled and diced
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken or turkey broth (for roasting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and apples until softened. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Stir in breadcrumbs, broth, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let stuffing cool slightly. Pat turkey dry, season inside and out, and loosely stuff the cavity with sausage-apple mixture. Place turkey on roasting rack in pan, pour broth around it, and roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly. Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 20 minutes before carving.
Substitutions
Use ground turkey sausage for a lighter option. Replace apples with pears for a sweeter flavor. Swap breadcrumbs with cornbread crumbs for a Southern-style stuffing. Add cranberries or pecans for extra holiday flair.
Equipment
Roasting pan with rack
Mixing bowl
Large skillet
Meat thermometer
Sharp carving knife
Storage
Refrigerator: Store turkey and stuffing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices of turkey without stuffing for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in oven with broth to keep moist.
Top Tips
Always loosely stuff turkey so it cooks evenly. Make extra stuffing in a separate dish for larger gatherings. Baste turkey regularly for a golden, crisp finish. Let turkey rest before carving to keep juices inside.
FAQs
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time? Yes, prepare the stuffing a day before and refrigerate until ready to use.
Is it safe to stuff the turkey? Yes, as long as the stuffing reaches 165°F along with the turkey.
Can I bake stuffing outside the turkey? Absolutely—it’s safer and gives you more stuffing for guests.
What sides go best with this turkey? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce complement it perfectly.