If you have a very large oven-proof skillet that you want to serve the stuffing in, you can make everything in it and bake and serve straight from the skillet. Otherwise when ready to bake, transfer the stuffing to a 2 quart baking dish (approximately) and bake and serve the stuffing in it.
Heat an extra large skillet (*see head note) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and then add sausage. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces and cook for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the apple, garlic, onion, celery, carrots and the herbs of choice. Cook until onions are softened and sausage in cooked through, about 5 minutes.Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat.
Add the chicken stock and then mix in the bread and parsley. Stir until bread is completely coated. Add the beaten eggs (optional) and combine evenly in the bread mixture. Transfer to baking dish if desired (*see head note).
Cover with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake again for about 10-15 minutes or until top of stuffing is golden. Serve warm.