Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, until dry. If you’re using store-bought dried bread cubes, you can skip this step.

Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.

2. Cook the Sausage

If using sausage links, remove the casings. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3. Sauté the Vegetables and Apple

Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the chopped apple, celery, onion, thyme, and salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the apple begins to tenderize.

4. Combine the Stuffing

Place the toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture.

Pour in the beaten eggs and chicken stock. Stir thoroughly until the bread is evenly moistened and the ingredients are well distributed.

5. Transfer to the Baking Dish

Grease an 11 × 7-inch baking dish with butter. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. If the bread begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.

For food safety, the center should reach 165°F because the stuffing contains eggs and chicken stock.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it onto plates alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or your favorite holiday main dish.