Sausage Cornbread Dressing
A hearty and flavorful sausage cornbread dressing with savory herbs, perfect as a comforting side for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, lightly brown the sausage.
- Add chopped celery and onion to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the crumbled cornbread, ground sage, and chicken broth in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked sausage, onion, and celery mixture into the bowl with the cornbread mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until browned, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the dressing. If you prefer a bit of heat, diced jalapeños can be a great addition. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option or use vegetable sausage for a vegetarian version. If you don’t have day-old cornbread, you can quickly dry fresh cornbread in the oven for about 15 minutes at low heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage Cornbread Dressing pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as Cornish Hens & Rice Pilaf or Chicken Breast With Mushrooms. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It's also a fantastic side for holiday dinners, complementing dishes like turkey or ham beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Cornbread Dressing contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1198mg per serving (52% 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 dressing a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you want to substitute chicken broth, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. You can also use turkey broth, which adds a nice flavor, especially during the holidays. Just ensure the substitute is low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
Can I freeze the dressing?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dressing to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as normal, or bake from frozen, adjusting the time as needed.
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).