Cornbread Sausage and Apple Dressing

This Cornbread Sausage Apple Dressing recipe is a hearty side dish for fall and Thanksgiving that is simple to cook ahead and reheat.

Pork Sausage Dressing

Cornbread pork sausage and apple dressing is a versatile dish that can be served anytime, but it’s particularly popular during the fall and Thanksgiving seasons.

This stuffing has two ingredients that give it unique flavor and composition – pork sausage and cornbread.

We think the pork sausage makes this dish stand out and suggest using the one-pound chubs or packages in your local grocery store.

This pork sausage dressing is excellent served alongside this Sweet Southern Slow Cooker Ham.

Cornbread Sausage and Apple Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground pork sausage
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups diced red apples (unpeeled)
• 3/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 6 cups coarsely crumbled cornbread
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Spices: 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Tips

• Plan about 3/4-1 cup of dressing per guest.
• Precooked sausage dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

How to Make Pork Sausage Dressing

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large skillet, cook sausage until brown. Remove sausage; drain and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter.  Add the diced apples and onion and cook for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat.

Stir in poultry seasoning and black pepper. Add the sausage, cornbread, and parsley.  Drizzle the chicken broth on top.

Toss the mixture gently to combine. Transfer to a greased 2-quart casserole. 

Cover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. 

Remove and serve.

What type of pork sausage should I use?

We typically use a mild-flavored sausage for this dish, especially on the holiday when we expect a large crowd.

You can also use a spicy sausage for this recipe to give it an extra kick!

What is Thanksgiving stuffing?

Thanksgiving stuffing is a traditional American side dish served on Thanksgiving day.

It is a savory dish with a bread or cornbread base, sometimes meat, butter, and seasonings.

How much dressing per person for Thanksgiving

Plan on making 3/4 – 1 cup of dressing per person.

If serving guests that eat light, stick closer to the 3/4 cup. If you have heavy eaters, go for 1 cup. You can include children in this number, too.

What is the difference between Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing?

Dressing is cooked and served on its own, whereas stuffing is typically cooked and served in the cavity of a turkey.

Both will have similar flavors.

Most people will use the terms interchangeably.

How far ahead can you make dressing for Thanksgiving?

To store after baking, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven in a foil-covered dish at 325°F until heated.

You may need to add in a bit more broth for moisture.

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time and bake it later?

Follow the recipe, but stop before baking. Let stuffing cool at room temperature.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Preheat oven, bake, and ensure 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Rest briefly before serving.

Can I make gluten-free stuffing?

Use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs. Check seasonings, broth, and sausage for gluten.

Substitute with gluten-free oats, rice, or quinoa for structure. Use gluten-free thickeners like rice flour or cornstarch.

Prevent cross-contamination. Verify all ingredients are gluten-free.

Other favorite dressing recipes

This simple farmhouse Crock Pot Dressing is flavorful and easy to make in your slow cooker.

Switch up your traditional dressing with this Pork Stuffing Recipe featuring peppers, chilies, potatoes, and ground pork.

Or try this simple Stovetop Sausage and Rice Casserole for an easy meal ready in about 30 minutes!