Savory Southern Cornbread Stuffing
This Savory Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe is a heartfelt tribute to the beloved Thanksgiving tradition of gathering around a table filled with warmth and flavor. Perfected over years of tasting countless family recipes, this dish embodies the essence of comfort food. The delightful combination of crumbled Jiffy cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables creates a stuffing that is not only satisfying but unforgettable. Infused with a blend of dried sage and bound together with eggs and melted butter, this stuffing delivers a perfect balance of moisture and texture. It's a dish that promises to transport you home, evoking nostalgia with every bite, making it an essential addition to your holiday spread. Whether you stuff your turkey with it or bake it separately to achieve a slightly crusty top, this cornbread stuffing will surely steal the spotlight at your Thanksgiving feast.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornbread
5 cups (crumbled (use 1 box of Jiffy corn bread mix according to package directions))
Sausage meat
1 lb (broken up for sautéing)
Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (chopped ribs)
Breadcrumbs
2 cups (unseasoned, lightly pressed down)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Dried sage
3 tablespoons (more if desired)
Butter
4 ounces (melted)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Prepare the cornbread according to the instructions on the Jiffy corn bread mix package. Allow it to cool and crumble into a large bowl.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the sausage meat and sauté until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to the mixing bowl, leaving the fat in the skillet.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the chopped celery and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
4
Add the sautéed onions and celery to the bowl with the sausage. Then, incorporate the crumbled cornbread and the lightly pressed down breadcrumbs, mixing thoroughly to combine.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dried sage and the lightly beaten eggs. Pour this mixture into the bowl and gently fold everything together. Lastly, drizzle in the melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
6
If using for stuffing, loosely fill the cavity of your turkey with the prepared stuffing and roast according to your turkey's cooking time. If baking separately, transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up. Avoid overbaking to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Cornbread Stuffing?
It is a traditional holiday dish featuring crumbled cornbread, sausage, and aromatic vegetables, often served during Thanksgiving.
What is the primary base of this recipe?
The primary base is 5 cups of crumbled cornbread, ideally made using Jiffy corn bread mix.
How much sausage is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sausage meat, broken up and sautéed until cooked through.
Can I use a specific brand for the cornbread?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one box of Jiffy corn bread mix prepared according to package directions.
How many onions should I use?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions for this recipe.
How much celery is included in the stuffing?
The recipe requires 1 and a half cups of chopped celery ribs.
Why are breadcrumbs added to the mixture?
Two cups of unseasoned breadcrumbs are added to provide structure and balance to the cornbread texture.
How many eggs does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 2 lightly beaten eggs to bind the ingredients together.
What is the main herb used for seasoning?
Dried sage is the primary herb, with 3 tablespoons required for the mixture.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of melted butter.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I sauté the sausage?
The sausage should be sautéed for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until browned.
How long do the onions need to cook?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for 5 to 6 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the celery to the skillet?
Add the celery after the onions are translucent and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
How should I mix the eggs and sage?
Whisk the dried sage and lightly beaten eggs together in a separate small bowl before adding them to the main mixture.
Can I bake this stuffing inside a turkey?
Yes, you can loosely fill the turkey cavity and roast it according to the turkey's cooking instructions.
What is the baking time if cooked separately in a dish?
It should bake for 20 to 30 minutes in a greased baking dish.
Should I cover the stuffing while it bakes?
Yes, cover it with foil for the first part of baking and remove it for the last 10 minutes.
How do I get a crispy top on the stuffing?
Remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.
What should I avoid when mixing the ingredients?
Be careful not to overmix the ingredients once the liquid is added to maintain the best texture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, if you are baking the stuffing separately, transfer it to a greased baking dish.
Can I add more sage than the recipe calls for?
Yes, you can add more than 3 tablespoons of dried sage if you desire a stronger flavor.
How do I prepare the cornbread before mixing?
Allow the prepared cornbread to cool completely and then crumble it into a large bowl.
What do I do with the sausage fat in the skillet?
Leave the fat in the skillet after cooking the sausage to use for sautéing the onions and celery.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of unseasoned breadcrumbs, lightly pressed down.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add salt and pepper to taste just before the final mixing of the ingredients.
How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?
Avoid overbaking the dish and keep it covered for the majority of the cooking time.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to prepare the cornbread using Jiffy mix and let it cool.
Is this recipe considered Southern cuisine?
Yes, it is a Savory Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe that reflects traditional regional flavors.