Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Get ready to elevate your holiday table with this irresistible cornbread stuffing! Packed with homemade cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients:

– 1 batch Buttermilk Cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound mild ground pork sausage
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 celery ribs, diced
– 1 cup pecan halves, chopped and toasted
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– 3 cups chicken stock
– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

‍ Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Spread cornbread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden and crisp, about 13-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, crumbling as it cooks (5-8 minutes). Remove sausage to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. In the same Dutch oven, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, and celery. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally (4-5 minutes).

5. Stir in pecans, parsley, sage, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

6. Remove from heat. Add toasted cornbread cubes and cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Pour in chicken stock and beaten eggs. Stir gently until well combined and liquid is absorbed (about 5 minutes).

8. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef’s Tips:
– For extra flavor, try using a combination of sweet and spicy sausage.
– Add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and festive color.
– Make the cornbread a day ahead to save time on cooking day.

This cornbread stuffing is a delightful twist on the traditional bread stuffing. The homemade cornbread provides a subtle sweetness and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and aromatics. The addition of toasted pecans brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley infuse the stuffing with classic Thanksgiving flavors, while the chicken stock and eggs bind everything together, creating a moist and flavorful interior with a crispy, golden top.

Whether you’re serving this as a side dish for your holiday feast or enjoying it as a comforting meal on its own, this cornbread stuffing is sure to impress. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that captures the essence of autumn and family gatherings.

So gather your loved ones, warm up the kitchen, and treat yourself to this delicious cornbread stuffing. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest! ️