Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2

Prepare by drying out the bread several days in advance or spread the bread out on baking sheets and place it in the oven at 275 degrees for about about 45 minutes tossing it several times.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage breaking it up as it cooks. About halfway through the browning process, add the butter and melt it. Add the onion, celery, and apple. Continue cooking until the onions and celery are soft. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme and sage.  Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

In a large bowl, toss together the dried bread, sausage mixture, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Spoon into a greased casserole, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover, raise oven temperature to 375 degrees, and continue baking for 15 minutes or until the top begins to brown. Place under the broiler for a minute if more browning is desired.