Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table—Cornbread and Smoked Sausage Stuffing! This delightful American classic combines the rich, buttery flavor of cornbread with the smoky essence of sausage, creating a stuffing that’s irresistibly savory and satisfying. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving or simply looking to impress at your next dinner party, this recipe will have your guests asking for seconds. With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a mouthwatering side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Cornbread, crumbled
- Smoked sausage, sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until the sausage is lightly browned and releases its oils, about 4-5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cornbread into medium-sized pieces. Ensure the pieces are not too fine to maintain texture.
- Add the sautéed onions, celery, and smoked sausage to the crumbled cornbread. Gently mix to combine.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Gradually pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring gently. The broth should moisten the cornbread without making it soggy. Add just enough to bind the ingredients.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality smoked sausage. This will enhance the overall taste of your stuffing.
- Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, to add a unique twist to the dish.
- Don’t Over-Moisten: When adding chicken broth, pour it gradually and mix gently. You want the cornbread to be moist but not soggy, so keep an eye on the consistency.
- Add Extra Veggies: For added flavor and texture, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the sautéed mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your stuffing during the final baking stage. You want a crispy, golden-brown top, so adjust the time as needed based on your oven.
- Pairing Suggestions: This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or a hearty vegetarian main dish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
