"You Won'T Believe This" Cornbread Stuffing
A hearty and flavorful cornbread stuffing featuring toasted whole wheat bread cubes, savory onion and celery, and a rich cornmeal base. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holidays or family dinners, this recipe combines rustic texture with warm, savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chicken broth in a heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Pour cornmeal into chicken broth slowly, stirring constantly until thick, about 10 minutes.
- Cover and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté diced onion and diced celery until tender.
- Add poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Cut the stale bread into cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread cubes and mix well.
- Melt butter and pour over the bread mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add the prepared cornmeal mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stuffing, consider adding cooked sausage or mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables. If you don’t have whole wheat bread, any crusty bread will work as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences; for a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some dried herbs. This stuffing also pairs beautifully with Chicken Breast In Mushroom Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread stuffing is a perfect side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. Serve it alongside roast chicken or turkey, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal. It also complements rich dishes like Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "You Won'T Believe This" Cornbread Stuffing contains roughly 972 calories, with 15g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (132% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% 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 it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the cornbread stuffing?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the stuffing to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed until warmed through.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme. Dried cranberries or chopped nuts can also add interesting textures and tastes. For a savory twist, you might mix in some cooked bacon or ham.
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).