Hearty Ranch-Style Stuffed Cornbread Skillet
Indulge in our Hearty Ranch-Style Stuffed Cornbread Skillet, a comforting one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. This mouthwatering cornbread combines savory ground pork, aromatic shallots, and fresh herbs with the tangy goodness of Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing. Baked to golden perfection, it's moist and flavorful, ensuring that even leftovers are just as delightful when reheated the next day. Get ready for a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground pork
1 lb (browned and drained)
Shallots
2 (minced)
Fennel seed
1/8 cup (whole)
Chopped chives
1/8 cup (fresh)
Chopped green onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (finely grated)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
Milk
3/4 cup (whole)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for mixing)
Frozen corn
1 cup (thawed)
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1 cup (for mixing)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Self-rising cornmeal mix
1 1/2 cups (for mixing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the minced shallots, fennel seed, chives, green onions, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the pork. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
4
In a separate medium bowl, combine the beaten eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, thawed corn, Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
5
Gently fold in the self-rising cornmeal mix until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
6
Grease a cast iron skillet and pour half of the cornbread batter into the bottom, spreading it evenly.
7
Layer the savory sausage mixture on top of the batter, then pour the remaining cornbread batter over the sausage, smoothing the top.
8
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm for a delightful culinary experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Ranch-Style Stuffed Cornbread Skillet?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines savory ground pork, aromatic shallots, fresh herbs, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing inside a golden cornbread crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cornbread.
What type of meat is used in this stuffed cornbread?
This recipe uses 1 lb of ground pork, which is browned and drained before being added to the filling.
Which dressing is featured in this recipe?
The recipe features Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, which adds tangy goodness and moisture to the batter.
What aromatics and spices are added to the ground pork?
The pork is seasoned with minced shallots, fennel seed, fresh chives, green onions, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Is there cheese in the meat mixture?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the pork mixture after it is removed from the heat.
How many eggs are required for the cornbread batter?
The batter requires 3 beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Do I need to use frozen or fresh corn?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen corn that has been thawed.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping and batter?
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese are used, split between the batter and the melted topping.
What type of cornmeal is used for the bread?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of self-rising cornmeal mix for this recipe.
How do I layer the cornbread in the skillet?
Pour half of the cornbread batter into the greased skillet, layer the pork mixture on top, and then pour the remaining batter over the meat.
How long does the skillet cornbread take to bake?
The total baking time is approximately 40-45 minutes.
How can I tell when the cornbread is fully cooked?
The cornbread is done when it is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When should the final layer of cheddar cheese be added?
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking until it is melted and bubbly.
Is it necessary to drain the pork?
Yes, it is important to drain any excess fat after browning the pork to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for fresh chopped chives and fresh chopped green onions for the best flavor.
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A greased cast iron skillet is recommended for even heating and a traditional cornbread crust.
Does the cornbread batter have sugar in it?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to the batter mix.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The batter requires 3/4 cup of whole milk.
Is the cornbread recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper added to the pork mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great one-dish meal and the leftovers are delightful when reheated the next day.
What is the preparation for the shallots?
The shallots should be finely minced before being sautéed with the pork.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to be mixed into the wet ingredients.
Should the cornmeal be mixed heavily?
No, you should gently fold in the cornmeal mix until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed as a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for families and large groups.
What is the preparation for the fennel seeds?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of whole fennel seeds for flavor and aroma.
Can I serve the cornbread immediately after baking?
It is best to let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving it warm.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground garlic powder.
What size portion of green onions should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of fresh chopped green onions.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, both of which can be adjusted to taste.