To prepare Stove Top stuffing with sausage and apricots, you will enhance a boxed stuffing mix by adding cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and chopped apricots.

Ingredients

1 package (12 oz) dry herb stuffing mix (or two smaller boxes of classic Stove Top)

1 lb bulk pork or turkey sausage, casings removed

2 tbsp butter

1 large onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped

½ tsp dried sage (optional, for extra flavor)

½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

1 ½ to 2 cups chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until it is browned and fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked sausage to a large bowl, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Sauté Vegetables: Add the butter to the residual fat in the skillet and melt. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dried apricots and optional dried herbs (sage and thyme) and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to blend.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the vegetable and apricot mixture to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Add the dry stuffing mix and toss gently to combine.

Moisten the Stuffing: In a separate small bowl, heat the chicken or turkey broth until warm. Pour the broth over the stuffing mixture, using just enough liquid to moisten all the bread cubes without making it soggy.

Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful twist on classic stuffing.