Get ready to transform your holiday table with a stuffing recipe that's about to become the star of your feast! This Turkey Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing isn't just another side dish - it's a flavor-packed, mouth-watering experience that combines the rustic charm of homemade cornbread with the savory richness of turkey sausage. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a holiday cooking novice, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 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.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the turkey sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked turkey sausage, sautéed onions, and celery.
- Sprinkle sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently fold the seasonings into the cornbread mixture.
- Slowly pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure even moisture without making the stuffing too soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture - slightly dried bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy consistency.
- Don't overmix the stuffing ingredients; gently fold to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- For extra moisture, you can add a beaten egg to the chicken broth before mixing.
- Make sure to drain the turkey sausage thoroughly to prevent greasy stuffing.
- If the top isn't browning evenly, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Customize the herbs - fresh sage and thyme can be substituted with dried herbs in equal proportions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
