Cornbread Sausage
A hearty cornbread casserole with sausage, apples, walnuts, and flavorful herbs, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings that crave a comforting, savory dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Cut sausage patties into pieces.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add walnuts.
- Cook and stir until lightly browned, then remove nuts from the skillet.
- Melt the remaining margarine in the skillet.
- Add chopped celery and onion; cook until tender.
- In a large bowl, toss together sausage, walnuts, cooked celery and onion, cornbread stuffing, chopped apples.
- Add apple juice and water; stir together.
- Spoon mixture into the casserole dish and cover.
- Bake for 1 hour or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of brown and serve sausage patties. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with crumbled tempeh or mushrooms. Feel free to incorporate additional spices like sage or thyme for extra depth. Ensure to chop the apples into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread sausage dish makes a great main course, especially paired with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad. It also complements breakfast with eggs or can be served alongside brunch favorites like the Yellow Cake Dream or Four Layer Lemon Cheesecake for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread Sausage contains roughly 743 calories, with 13g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the day before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just remember to bake it for a bit longer if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This is a great option for a hassle-free meal during busy days.
What can I use instead of apple juice?
If you don't have apple juice, consider using chicken broth or vegetable broth for a savory flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of water and a splash of lemon juice can add a tangy twist while keeping the dish moist.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free cornbread stuffing or make your own using gluten-free cornbread. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).