Apple Sausage Gravy Dumplings: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Apple sausage gravy dumplings are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, blending savory and sweet flavors into a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe combines rich, creamy sausage gravy with the subtle sweetness of apples and fluffy, homemade dumplings. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comforting Flavors:** The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and creamy gravy creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.
* **Easy to Make:** While it may seem intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, with clear and detailed instructions.
* **Homemade Dumplings:** The homemade dumplings add a special touch, making this dish feel extra special.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences, using different types of sausage, apples, or herbs.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is a great choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Apple Sausage Gravy:
* 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer using mild or maple-flavored sausage, but you can use spicy if you prefer)
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best for a creamy gravy)
* 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for added depth of flavor)
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
### For the Dumplings:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for added flavor and color)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Part 1: Making the Apple Sausage Gravy
1. **Brown the Sausage:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add the Apples:**
* Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook until they are slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Make the Roux:**
* Sprinkle the flour over the sausage, onion, garlic, and apple mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and prevent a raw flour taste.
5. **Add the Liquids:**
* Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If using chicken broth, add it now as well.
6. **Season the Gravy:**
* Add the dried sage, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg to the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
* If you want an even richer gravy, stir in the butter at the end.
### Part 2: Making the Dumplings
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
* In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough dumplings. A few lumps are okay.
* If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
### Part 3: Cooking the Dumplings in the Gravy
1. **Drop the Dumplings:**
* Increase the heat under the gravy to medium-low. You want the gravy to be simmering gently.
* Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering gravy. Be sure to leave some space between the dumplings so they have room to expand.
2. **Cover and Simmer:**
* Cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly with a lid.
* Let the dumplings cook in the gravy for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release steam and cause the dumplings to be undercooked.
3. **Check for Doneness:**
* To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are cooked through.
4. **Serve:**
* Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the gravy to thicken slightly.
* Serve the apple sausage gravy dumplings hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Apple Sausage Gravy Dumplings
* **Choose the Right Sausage:** The type of sausage you use can significantly impact the flavor of the gravy. I recommend using a mild or maple-flavored breakfast sausage for a balanced flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use a hot or Italian sausage.
* **Select the Right Apples:** The best apples for this recipe are those that hold their shape well during cooking and have a slightly tart flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are all good choices. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mushy, as they will break down during cooking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter:** Overmixing the dumpling batter can result in tough, dense dumplings. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
* **Cook the Dumplings Covered:** It’s important to cook the dumplings covered to ensure that they cook through properly. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release steam and cause the dumplings to be undercooked.
* **Adjust the Consistency of the Gravy:** If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy while it’s simmering. Or, serve the dumplings with a drizzle of hot sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can make the apple sausage gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the dumplings, simply reheat the gravy and proceed with the recipe.
* **Freezing:** The gravy freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The dumplings are best made fresh.
* **Browning the Sausage:** Make sure to properly brown the sausage. This is crucial for developing the rich, savory flavor of the gravy. Don’t just cook it; let it get a nice, golden-brown color.
* **Deglaze the Pan (Optional):** After browning the sausage and before adding the onion, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of apple cider or white wine. This will add extra depth of flavor to the gravy. Just be sure to let the liquid reduce slightly before adding the onion.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like sage and thyme can really elevate this dish. If you have them on hand, feel free to use fresh instead of dried. Use about twice the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Vegetarian Version:** To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles. Be sure to choose a brand that you enjoy the taste of.
* **Gluten-Free Version:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the gravy and the dumplings. You may also need to add a little xanthan gum to the dumpling batter to help bind the ingredients together.
* **Different Types of Apples:** Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite flavor combination. Granny Smith apples will add a tartness to the dish, while Fuji apples will add a sweeter flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the gravy, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Cheese Dumplings:** For cheesy dumplings, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling batter.
* **Sweet Potato Dumplings:** Incorporate some mashed cooked sweet potato into the dumpling batter for a hint of sweetness and a beautiful color.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Use Biscuits Instead of Dumplings:** If you’re short on time, you can use canned biscuit dough instead of making homemade dumplings. Simply cut the biscuits into smaller pieces and drop them into the simmering gravy.
* **Gravy Without Apples:** If you like the idea of sausage gravy dumplings but don’t want the apples, simply omit them from the recipe. The gravy will still be delicious!
## Serving Suggestions
* **Brunch:** Serve apple sausage gravy dumplings as part of a weekend brunch spread. Pair it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
* **Dinner:** Enjoy this dish as a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
* **Potluck:** Bring apple sausage gravy dumplings to your next potluck or gathering. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 15-20g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Apple sausage gravy dumplings are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Enjoy!