Side Dishes > Stuffing & Dressing (Side) > Other Stuffing/Dressing > Wild Rice Stuffing Recipe

Apple and Sausage Wild Rice Stuffing

A flavorful twist on classic stuffing, this recipe combines the nutty taste of wild rice with sweet apples and savory sausage. It's a perfect side dish for fall and winter meals, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to any table. This stuffing works equally well inside a bird or baked in a casserole dish.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Wild Rice
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 pound Italian Sausage
  • 1 large Apple
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion
  • 2 Celery Stalks
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Sage
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Cooking the Wild Rice

Combine the wild rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Browning the Sausage and Sautéing Vegetables

In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pan. Add the butter, onion, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and apple and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the apple is slightly softened.

Combining Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables and apple, dried sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Baking (Optional)

If desired, transfer the stuffing to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. Alternatively, you can stuff it into poultry and roast as usual.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 220 kcal Carbohydrates: 22g Protein: 8g Fat: 12g (primarily from sausage and butter)

Other Considerations for Nutrition

For a lower fat option, use lean sausage or turkey sausage. Using less butter and increasing the amount of apple and vegetables can also improve the nutritional profile.

← Classic Bread Stuffing →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

    Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as sweet Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even breakfast sausage.
  • What kind of apple should I use?

    A crisp apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji works well in this recipe.
  • Can I add nuts to this stuffing?

    Yes, pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to this stuffing. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts along with the other ingredients.