Get ready to transform your holiday table with a stuffing recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds! This sage and corn bread stuffing isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that bridges traditional comfort food with gourmet flavors. Imagine golden, crispy edges, a perfectly moist interior, and an aromatic blend of herbs that will make your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is about to become your new go-to stuffing that will steal the spotlight at any meal.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of corn bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If using homemade cornbread, allow it to cool completely. Cut the cornbread into small, uniform cubes approximately 1-inch in size. Spread the cubes on a large baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped fresh sage to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic oils.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the cornbread cubes and gently fold together to combine.
- Pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without completely breaking down the cubes. The bread should be damp but not soggy.
- Season the stuffing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture - slightly dry bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy result.
- Don't overwork the bread when mixing - gently fold ingredients to maintain cube integrity.
- For extra richness, consider adding crumbled cooked bacon or toasted pecans.
- If the stuffing seems too dry, add a bit more chicken broth; if too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb liquid.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking and watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 162kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
