Cornbread Stuffing
A savory cornbread stuffing featuring crispy bacon, aromatic sage, and a blend of coarse and fine cornbread crumbs, perfect for holiday tables or hearty family dinners. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a comforting side dish that complements roasted meats and festive feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of drippings. Crumble the bacon and set aside. Cover and cook the chopped onion in the bacon drippings until barely tender, about 7 minutes.
- Combine the reserved bacon drippings, cooked onion, water, cornbread crumbs, fine cornbread crumbs, ground sage, and broth. Toss well to mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced celery or mushrooms along with the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the bacon with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also use store-bought cornbread if you're short on time, just ensure it's coarse enough for good texture. Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread stuffing pairs beautifully with a roast turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a comforting combination, try it with Chicken Confetti or Golden Brown Oven-Fried Chicken for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cornbread stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread Stuffing contains roughly 343 calories, with 12g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (115% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 36g 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 cornbread stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for bacon drippings?
If you don't have bacon drippings, use unsalted butter or olive oil as a substitute. This can give your stuffing a different flavor profile while still keeping it delicious. You could also use a smoky flavored oil for an added depth.
How can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
To make cornbread stuffing gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free cornbread and check any additional ingredients, like broth, for gluten content. This way, you can enjoy this classic dish without any gluten concerns.
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).