Crispy Traybake Stuffing with Sausage, Apple, and Chestnuts Recipe

Introduction

This crispy traybake stuffing is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining sausage, apples, and chestnuts for a flavorful and textured side. It’s perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a comforting, easy-to-make stuffing with a golden crust.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 onions, halved and sliced
• 1 Bramley apple, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 x 400g packs Cumberland sausages, skins removed
• Small pack sage leaves, chopped, a few whole leaves reserved to serve
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 100g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the butter in a large, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the diced apple to the onions and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Place the sausage meat into a large bowl. Add the cooled onion and apple mixture, chopped sage, breadcrumbs, chestnuts, and a pinch of seasoning.
4. Step 4: Use your hands to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You can prepare this mixture up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake.
5. Step 5: When ready to cook, spread the stuffing evenly into a large shallow roasting tin.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven alongside your turkey legs for 30–35 minutes, or until the top forms a golden, crispy crust.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved whole sage leaves.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a splash of stock or beaten egg to the mixture before baking.
• Substitute Cumberland sausages with your favorite flavoured sausages for a different twist.
• If you prefer, add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Fresh sage is best for flavor, but dried sage can be used in a pinch—use about one-third of the amount.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven until heated through to maintain crispiness on top. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the stuffing mixture can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Can I make this recipe without sausages?

While sausages add great flavor, you can omit them and increase the breadcrumbs and chestnuts, along with additional herbs, for a vegetarian version.

Crispy Traybake Stuffing with Sausage, Apple, and Chestnuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

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Description

This Crispy Traybake Stuffing combines savory Cumberland sausage meat with sweet Bramley apple, sautéed onions, and chestnuts for a deliciously textured and flavorful side dish. Baked in the oven until golden and crisp on top, it’s a perfect accompaniment for roast dinners, especially turkey.

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Ingredients

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Stuffing Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 onions, halved and sliced
• 1 Bramley apple, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 x 400g packs Cumberland sausages, skins removed
• Small pack sage leaves, chopped, a few whole leaves reserved to serve
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 100g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Apple: Heat the butter in a large, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes until softened. Add the diced apple and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Mix Stuffing Ingredients: Place the sausage meat in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked onion and apple mixture along with the chopped sage leaves, breadcrumbs, chopped chestnuts, and seasoning to taste. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients until well mixed. The mixture can be refrigerated for up to two days before baking if needed.
3. Bake the Stuffing: Spread the mixed stuffing evenly into a large, shallow roasting tin. Place the tin in the oven alongside turkey legs or other roast meat and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top has formed a crisp, golden crust.
4. Serve: Remove from the oven and scatter the reserved whole sage leaves over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately alongside your roast dinner.

Notes

• The stuffing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
• Removing the sausage skins allows the meat to bind better with the other ingredients for an improved texture.
• Chestnuts add a subtle crunch and complementary earthy flavor; substitute with walnuts if preferred.
• If not serving with turkey legs, bake the stuffing alone at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, place under the grill for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: traybake stuffing, Cumberland sausages, apple stuffing, chestnut stuffing, holiday side dish, crispy stuffing, roast dinner