Savory Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage: A Hearty Fall Delicacy

Embrace the flavors of autumn with these incredible Savory Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage! A delightful symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy, this dish transforms crisp fall apples into edible bowls overflowing with a rich, flavorful stuffing. Imagine succulent sausage, tender vegetables, tart cranberries, and sharp white cheddar, all baked within a perfectly softened apple. It’s a comforting, wholesome, and truly unique meal that promises to become a seasonal favorite.

While many associate apples with sweet treats, their versatility extends beautifully into savory realms. This recipe celebrates that balance, offering a complete meal that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner or an impressive offering for your next autumn gathering.

For those who love a sweet apple creation, don’t miss these Slow Cooker Butterfinger® Stuffed Apples.

Why Stuffed Apples are the Ultimate Fall Meal

There’s something inherently charming about a dish that serves as its own vessel. Apples, with their sturdy structure and ability to soften beautifully in the oven, make perfect little edible bowls. They infuse the savory filling with a subtle sweetness and a touch of tartness, creating a complex flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s an experience, turning a simple fruit into the star of a gourmet meal.

My journey with stuffed apples began with a sweet indulgence around Thanksgiving last year. Picture apples slow-cooked with brown sugar, oats, and decadent Butterfingers – a truly sinful dessert perfect for any fall celebration. But the culinary adventure didn’t stop there. I soon discovered the immense potential of apples as a savory canvas, leading to this fantastic recipe. The beauty lies in their adaptability; you can literally stuff them with anything your heart desires, making them perfect for creative cooking.

For this particular savory rendition, I opted for a lean turkey sausage, combined with the earthy notes of carrots and onions, the delicate sweetness of dried cranberries, and the wholesome texture of brown rice. The result was nothing short of perfection. The blend of textures and tastes captivated my family, and they devoured every last bite, cementing its place in our fall recipe rotation.

The Magic of Apple Season: From Orchard to Table

Is there anything more quintessentially fall than a trip to the apple orchard? The crisp air, the vibrant colors, and the sheer abundance of fresh, juicy apples make for an unforgettable experience. However, after a successful apple-picking excursion, many of us find ourselves with a bushel (or two!) of apples, wondering how to best utilize this autumnal bounty. This is where creative recipes like these Stuffed Apples truly shine. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy your harvest, moving beyond pies and crumbles to explore the savory side of apples. Thanks to special events like #appleweek, there are always new and inspiring apple recipes to discover, ensuring your supply never goes to waste.

If you’re seeking more delicious apple-inspired ideas, be sure to check out some of the other fantastic recipes shared during this special week:

• Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Butter
• One-Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Cinnamon
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Apple and Plum Crumble
• Apple, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Pizza

Unleashing Culinary Creativity with Nordic Ware

A significant part of the joy in cooking comes from using high-quality tools, and I was thrilled to receive this beautiful copper roaster from Nordic Ware. It has quickly become an indispensable item in my kitchen. Since its arrival, I’ve put it to excellent use for various dishes, and its performance and aesthetic appeal are truly remarkable.

Nordic Ware generously provided a pan to every #appleweek participant, and some of their designs are just adorable, like this charming apple-shaped one! Roasting pans, in general, are incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from roasting turkey breasts and pork roasts to making savory popcorn and classic pot roasts. Their ability to transition seamlessly from oven to table while maintaining an elegant appearance makes them a fantastic investment for any home cook.

Customize Your Savory Stuffed Apples

One of the best aspects of this Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage recipe is its incredible adaptability. You can easily tailor it to your specific tastes or dietary needs. Imagine swapping the rice for a savory bread stuffing – a truly amazing twist! For protein, experiment with beef, spicy chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Cheese options are endless; try creamy Swiss, tangy goat cheese, or a bold smoked gouda instead of sharp cheddar. If cranberries aren’t your favorite, consider dried cherries or apricots for a different fruity note.

The possibilities don’t stop there. Make them vegetarian by using a mushroom or lentil-based filling, or dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative. This recipe truly allows you to cater to personal preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table. I always appreciate a meal that can be customized; it ensures everyone enjoys their plate to the fullest.

The ultimate flavor trifecta: Sausage, Sweet Cranberries, and Sharp White Cheddar in Every Bite!

Print Recipe

Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 28 mins

Total Time 43 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 6 servings

Discover a delicious trifecta of flavor in this fall-inspired meal: succulent sausage, sweet cranberries, and sharp white cheddar, all perfectly nestled inside baked apples.

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 16 ounces ground sausage (turkey, pork, or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries*
• 1 1/4 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• Lemon juice, for brushing apples

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully hollow out the cored apples, leaving a sturdy wall and bottom. To prevent browning, brush the inside of each apple with a little lemon juice. Place the hollowed apples into a roasting pan.

2. Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow them to soften slightly before stuffing. This ensures they cook evenly with the filling.

3. While the apples are pre-baking, prepare the brown rice according to package directions. Set aside.

4. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and diced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

5. Add the ground sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the dried sage, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned through, draining any excess fat if necessary.

6. Pour in the apple cider and stir in the dried cranberries. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cranberries to plump slightly.

7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked brown rice, ensuring it’s well combined with the sausage mixture.

8. Carefully remove the pre-baked apples from the oven. Spoon the sausage and rice mixture generously into each hollowed apple. Top each stuffed apple with a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese.

9. Return the stuffed apples to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the apples are fork-tender. Serve warm and enjoy!

*Cook’s Note: I often have a little bit of the delicious filling leftover, which makes for fantastic breakfast burritos the next day. It’s too good to waste!

Category Dinner, Lunch, Fall Recipes

Cuisine American

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 265
% Daily Value
Total Fat 8 g		12%
	Saturated Fat 2 g	10%
Cholesterol 80 mg		27%
Sodium 913 mg		38%
Total Carbohydrates 32 g		11%
	Dietary Fiber 7 g	28%
	Sugars 24 g
Protein 19 g		38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cook’s Tip: For a lighter, low-carb alternative, consider replacing the brown rice with cauliflower rice in the stuffing mixture. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic!

My family, especially the kids, absolutely adored these stuffed apples. They found it particularly cool that the apple itself became the delicious bowl they got to eat. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, especially for little ones.

So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of apples after a delightful apple-picking adventure, remember this versatile recipe. Hollow some out and create these incredible Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage for a satisfying main course. And for dessert, you absolutely must try those Slow Cooker Butterfinger® Stuffed Apples – a perfect sweet ending to any fall feast!

#AppleWeek: A Celebration of Flavors and Generosity

This past week has been a fantastic celebration of all things apple, made possible by our truly amazing sponsors. Their generous support not only fueled the creation of these delicious recipes but also brought an exciting giveaway opportunity for our readers. Now, it’s your chance to win some of their fabulous products that can elevate your own culinary adventures. Be sure to scroll down to learn more about each sponsor and enter the giveaway!

AppleWeek Prize Pack #1 from Swiss Diamond

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Swiss Diamond, established in 2001 in Sierre, Switzerland, is renowned for its high-end cookware. The brand’s revolutionary nonstick coating, infused with diamond crystals, ensures superior durability, heat conduction, and a long-lasting nonstick surface. Swiss Diamond is dedicated to meeting consumer needs through safe, high-quality materials, innovative design, traditional European craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to eco-friendly production.

AppleWeek Prize Pack #2 from Envy Apples

AppleWeek Prize Pack #3 from The Spice House

The Baker’s Gift Box

Elevate your baking with The Baker’s Gift Box from The Spice House. Since 1957, The Spice House has been dedicated to sourcing premium spices from across the globe, ensuring you receive the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Their commitment to quality is evident in their practice of small, weekly batch grinding and blending, guaranteeing that every spice delivers maximum aroma and taste to your culinary creations.

Prize Pack #4 from Rodelle Vanilla

A Baker’s Dream Come True!

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Prize Pack #5 from Imperial Sugar

A Sweet Tooth’s Dream Come True!

The lucky winner will receive a generous supply of Imperial Sugar: one case of 2-lb granulated sugar (20 bags) and one case of 2-lb light brown sugar (24 lbs), along with a high-quality silicone baking mat and a custom apron.

For 175 years, Imperial Sugar has been a trusted name in family kitchens across the South, a testament to generations of sweet traditions. When families gather in the kitchen, sweet things happen, and Imperial Sugar has been at the heart of countless celebrations and cherished recipes passed down through generations. Home cooks know that baking with love and Imperial Sugar creates not just delicious treats, but also lasting memories. Visit ImperialSugar.com for a treasure trove of over 100 years of time-tested recipes, engaging kid’s crafts, helpful how-to videos, exclusive coupons, exciting giveaways, and much more.

Prize Pack #6 from Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal and Nairn’s Oatcakes

Flahavan’s and Nairn’s have partnered to bring you an “oatstanding” prize pack, brimming with naturally creamy, sustainably sourced Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal and our go-to gluten-free grahams from Nairn’s. We have a good feeling you’re going to love this wholesome combination!

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Prize Pack #7 from Nordic Ware

Perfect for baking all these delightful #AppleWeek treats, Nordic Ware will award one lucky winner an apple cakelet pan and a Prism Baker’s Bundle, featuring both a quarter and half sheet pan! These high-quality baking essentials will empower you to create everything from intricate desserts to everyday roasted vegetables with ease and style.

Nordic Ware, a family-owned and operated kitchenware company since 1946, has steadily built its reputation as an internationally distributed brand synonymous with quality and innovation. As a leading manufacturer, Nordic Ware proudly produces the vast majority of its products in America, right at its Minneapolis headquarters. Their diverse product range includes exceptional bakeware, cookware, grillware, microwave-safe items, and a variety of kitchen gadgets and accessories, all designed to enhance your cooking and baking experience.

Disclaimer: Thank you to our AppleWeek Sponsors: Swiss Diamond, Nordic Ware, Envy Apples, Imperial Sugar, The Spice House, Rodelle Vanilla, Flahavan’s Irish Oats, and Nairn’s for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The AppleWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering, you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The AppleWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the AppleWeek posts or entry.

More AppleWeek Delights

Throughout this week, myself and my fellow food bloggers have been showcasing an array of incredible apple recipes. Be sure to explore all the delicious creations shared each day!

Saturday Recipes:

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