Cornbread-Bacon Dressing
A savory cornbread and bacon dressing with smoky, salty flavors, perfect for stuffing poultry or as a flavorful side dish for fall and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat margarine in a heavy skillet over low heat; add diced bacon, onion, celery, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning; sauté until tender.
- Combine the sautéed mixture with crumbled cornbread and white bread crumbs in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and stuff loosely in a turkey or serve as a side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or for a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and extra vegetables in place of bacon. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a mix of sage and thyme works well. Make sure to let the cornbread dry out a bit before crumbling for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cornbread-bacon dressing alongside your favorite roasted turkey or as a delicious side dish for a festive meal. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Jalapeno Peppers for an added kick. Consider adding a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce to balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cornbread-bacon dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread-Bacon Dressing contains roughly 703 calories, with 16g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2020mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornbread-bacon dressing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the stuffing or baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it according to the instructions, or stuff it into the turkey just before roasting.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A combination of cornbread and white bread crumbs gives the best texture and flavor. You can use homemade cornbread or store-bought. If you prefer, you can also use whole wheat bread or sourdough for a different taste, but adjust the seasoning as needed.
How can I make this dressing gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornbread and gluten-free bread crumbs. Many stores offer gluten-free options that can easily replace traditional bread. Be sure to check labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).