Cornbread Sausage Dressing
A savory and flavorful cornbread sausage dressing packed with apples, apricots, pecans, and fragrant herbs. Perfect as a hearty side for holiday dinners or family gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of textures and warm, comforting flavors that complement poultry and other festive mains.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks butter ⓘ
- 3 tart apples, chunked (not peeled) ⓘ
- 3 cups crumbled cornbread
- 3 cups crumbled French bread
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped ⓘ
- Chopped apricots ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound lightly seasoned lite sausage ⓘ
- 3 cups crumbled white or wheat bread ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried sage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop the yellow onions finely.
- Brown the seasoned lite sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Mix the crumbled cornbread, French bread, white/wheat bread, apples, apricots, parsley, dried thyme, dried sage, chopped pecans, cooked sausage, and the sautéed onions in a large mixing bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour a little chicken broth over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some chopped celery and carrots to the onion mixture. If you prefer a sweeter touch, use honey or maple syrup in place of some butter. You can also substitute the sausage with a plant-based version for a vegetarian option. Dried cranberries could replace the chopped apricots for a different fruit flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside roasted turkey or ham for a festive meal. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Breeze Pie for dessert. Consider adding a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dressing. A light vinaigrette would complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cornbread sausage dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread Sausage Dressing contains roughly 1209 calories, with 33g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 cornbread sausage dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. Assemble all ingredients and store them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What kind of bread works best for this dressing?
A mix of cornbread, French bread, and white or wheat bread creates a great texture. However, feel free to use any bread you have on hand, like sourdough or whole grain. Just ensure they are slightly stale for the best absorption of flavors.
Can I add other ingredients to personalize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the dressing by adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even nuts such as walnuts or almonds. Experimenting with spices can also elevate the dish; consider adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth.
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).