If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and a burst of savory flavors to your table, look no further than this Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. It marries the heartiness of crumbled cornbread with the rich, spiced goodness of breakfast sausage, all enhanced by a vibrant mix of sautéed veggies and a hint of butter. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing recipe promises to be a standout favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to crafting this Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: from the texture of crumbled cornbread to the punch of sautéed aromatic vegetables and the moist richness chicken broth brings, everything works together beautifully.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 stalks celery (chopped): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and classic stuffing aroma.
- 1 small green bell pepper (chopped): Brings a touch of color and a mild peppery undertone.
- 16 ounces breakfast sausage (roll): The savory, spiced sausage is the star protein that infuses the stuffing with heartiness.
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread: Gives a slightly sweet, crumbly base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and ties all the ingredients together with savory richness.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the stuffing’s lovely texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté veggies and adds a dreamy, buttery flavor note.
How to Make Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is where flavor begins to build, as the sizzling butter releases a cozy aroma.
Step 2: Add Onions, Celery, and Bell Pepper
Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they soften and develop sweetness, creating the perfect flavor foundation for the stuffing.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Now it’s time to add your breakfast sausage to the skillet. Break it apart as you cook and watch as it browns and crisps, infusing the dish with savory, spiced goodness.
Step 4: Combine with Crumbled Cornbread
Once the sausage is perfectly browned, stir in the crumbled cornbread to combine all those flavors. The cornbread soaks up the tasty juices, lending a moist and tender texture to the stuffing.
Step 5: Mix the Egg with Chicken Broth
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg into the chicken broth. This mixture helps bind the stuffing and keeps it beautifully moist while it bakes.
Step 6: Incorporate the Broth Mixture
Pour the egg and broth mixture evenly over the cornbread and sausage blend. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure every bite has a perfect balance of liquid and crumbly texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your stuffing mix into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pop it in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Pull it from the oven and get ready to delight your family or guests with the warm, soulful flavors of this classic Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe.
How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top add a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrast wonderfully with the rich stuffing.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even a simple green bean casserole. The savory and sweet balance in the stuffing makes it versatile enough to complement many hearty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, consider serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash or small mini pumpkins. This not only looks stunning but also adds a touch of natural sweetness and novelty to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your meal, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your sausage cornbread stuffing will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! If you want to save some for later, transfer cooled stuffing to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your stuffing back to life, reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top regains a bit of crispness. You can also microwave servings for a quicker option, but baking helps keep that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of cornbread?
While traditional cornbread gives this stuffing its unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with dried bread cubes if needed. Just note the flavor will shift to a more classic bread stuffing.
Is it necessary to use breakfast sausage?
Breakfast sausage adds a wonderful spiced flavor that complements the cornbread so well, but you can swap in Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a different twist or a leaner option.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might add sautéed mushrooms or nuts to enrich the texture and umami.
How do I know when the stuffing is done baking?
The stuffing is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still moist. It should feel hot all the way through—about 25 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire mixture up until baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, pop it in the oven and extend the baking time by a few minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and inviting. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try for your next meal or holiday gathering. Trust me, it will quickly become a beloved classic with your friends and family.
Print
Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful sausage cornbread stuffing perfect for holiday meals or comforting family dinners. This recipe combines savory breakfast sausage, sautéed vegetables, and moist cornbread with a rich chicken broth and egg mixture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
Protein
- 16 ounces breakfast sausage (1 roll)
- 1 egg
Base
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
Liquids & Fats
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter until fully liquefied and hot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Brown the sausage while breaking it up into crumbles until fully cooked through and no longer pink.
- Combine Cornbread: Stir the 4 cups of crumbled cornbread into the skillet mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Broth and Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg into the 3 cups of chicken broth until well blended.
- Add Broth Mixture: Pour the egg and chicken broth mixture evenly over the cornbread and sausage mixture. Stir gently to ensure the cornbread absorbs the liquid and everything is evenly moistened.
- Bake Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the stuffing is hot throughout.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a delicious side dish for your meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly made or day-old cornbread for crumbling.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before baking if desired.
- To add texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
- Cover with foil if you want a moister stuffing and remove foil the last 5 minutes for a crisp top.
