Sausage, Pear And Corn Bread Stuffing
A savory stuffing combining tender turkey sausage, sweet pears, and fresh herbs, perfect for holiday tables or hearty family dinners with warm, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pan Light Corn Bread or 1 package commercial stuffing ⓘ
- 8 oz lean turkey sausage ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp apple juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 fresh pears, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crumble the cornbread into small pieces and toast until golden, about 35 minutes.
- Place the toasted cornbread in a large bowl.
- Remove sausage from casing and brown over medium heat.
- Add apple juice to the sausage and simmer, stirring constantly, until the liquid evaporates.
- Remove sausage from skillet and add olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add the cooked sausage to the bowl.
- Stir in diced pears, chopped parsley, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add enough chicken stock to moisten the stuffing to your taste.
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking until the top turns golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the turkey sausage with pork sausage or a plant-based alternative. You can also use dried thyme if you don’t have fresh. Toasting the cornbread adds depth, so don't skip that step. If you're short on time, pre-packaged stuffing can be a quick alternative. This stuffing pairs beautifully with Chicken On Top Rice for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing makes a delightful side for roasted meats or poultry, especially during holiday meals. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with American recipes like Marilyn'S Tater Tot Casserole, which complements the savory flavors of the stuffing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing 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 (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage, Pear And Corn Bread Stuffing contains roughly 114 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 971mg per serving (42% 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 stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for pears in this recipe?
If you don't have pears, you can use diced apples for a similar sweetness and texture. Alternatively, dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can add a delightful chewiness and a burst of flavor. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness by reducing other sweet components if needed.
How do I ensure my stuffing stays moist?
To keep your stuffing moist, gradually add chicken stock until it reaches your desired consistency. The crumbled cornbread should be slightly damp but not soggy. Covering the dish with foil while baking helps retain moisture, so don't forget this step initially to avoid drying out the top.
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).