Savory Sausage Cornbread Stuffing: A Holiday Staple
Stuffing, or dressing (depending on where you’re from), is a cornerstone of any holiday feast. While there are countless variations, few compare to the hearty, flavorful, and comforting nature of cornbread stuffing with sausage. This recipe elevates traditional stuffing to new heights with its combination of sweet cornbread, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of herbs. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and become a cherished family favorite.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating the perfect sausage cornbread stuffing, from making the cornbread from scratch (optional, but highly recommended!) to assembling the final masterpiece. We’ll cover ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and even offer tips for adapting the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Get ready to transform your holiday table with this unforgettable dish!
Why Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage?
Cornbread stuffing stands apart from traditional bread stuffing due to its unique texture and flavor profile. The slightly sweet and crumbly nature of cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory sausage and vegetables. The addition of sausage infuses the stuffing with richness and depth of flavor, making it a truly satisfying dish. Moreover, cornbread stuffing tends to hold its shape better than bread stuffing, resulting in a more visually appealing presentation.
Ingredients: The Key to Success
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s discuss the essential ingredients and why they matter.
* **Cornbread:** The foundation of our stuffing. You can use store-bought cornbread, but homemade cornbread is undoubtedly superior. A slightly sweet and moist cornbread will yield the best results. Consider using a buttermilk cornbread recipe for extra tenderness and tang.
* **Sausage:** Choose a sausage that complements the other flavors in the stuffing. Italian sausage (sweet or hot), breakfast sausage, or even chorizo can be used. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it before cooking.
* **Vegetables:** Aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and bell peppers form the flavor base of the stuffing. They add depth and complexity to the dish. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or leeks.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth is the most common choice, but vegetable broth or even turkey broth (if you’re making this for Thanksgiving) can be used. The broth moistens the stuffing and helps to bind the ingredients together.
* **Eggs:** Eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold its shape. They also add richness and moisture.
* **Butter:** Butter adds flavor and richness to the stuffing. It’s used to sauté the vegetables and to moisten the cornbread.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs are essential for adding flavor and aroma to the stuffing. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley are classic choices. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh herbs are always preferred.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Get creative and add other ingredients to customize your stuffing. Dried cranberries, pecans, apples, or even oysters can be used to add extra flavor and texture.
Making the Cornbread (Optional, but Recommended)
While you can use store-bought cornbread, homemade cornbread truly elevates this stuffing. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious buttermilk cornbread:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cornbread cool completely before crumbling it for the stuffing. It’s best to make the cornbread a day ahead of time so it has time to dry out slightly.
Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Now, let’s get to the main event: the sausage cornbread stuffing!
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 recipe homemade cornbread (or 8-10 cups store-bought cornbread), crumbled
* 1 pound sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1 apple, peeled and diced
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cornbread:** If you’re making your own cornbread, follow the recipe above and let it cool completely before crumbling it. If using store-bought cornbread, crumble it into a large bowl.
2. **Cook the Sausage:** Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In the large bowl with the crumbled cornbread, add the cooked sausage and vegetables, chicken broth, eggs, melted butter, sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. If using any optional add-ins, add them now as well.
5. **Mix Well:** Gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing tough.
6. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
7. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
8. **Let Rest:** Let the stuffing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
* **Dry out the cornbread:** Day-old cornbread works best for stuffing, as it’s drier and will absorb the broth better without becoming mushy. If you’re using fresh cornbread, you can dry it out by spreading the crumbled cornbread on a baking sheet and baking it in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) for about 30 minutes, or until it’s slightly dried out.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing the stuffing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
* **Adjust the moisture:** The amount of broth needed will depend on the dryness of the cornbread. Start with the amount specified in the recipe and add more as needed until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
* **Taste and adjust seasoning:** Seasoning is crucial for flavorful stuffing. Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
* **Use fresh herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the stuffing. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
* **Add some crunch:** For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the stuffing.
* **Make it ahead:** You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the broth just before baking.
Variations and Adaptations
* **Vegetarian Stuffing:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini, to compensate for the lack of sausage.
* **Gluten-Free Stuffing:** Use gluten-free cornbread or substitute the all-purpose flour in the homemade cornbread recipe with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Spicy Stuffing:** Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
* **Seafood Stuffing:** Add cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or oysters to the stuffing for a seafood twist.
* **Fruit and Nut Stuffing:** Add dried cranberries, apples, pears, or pecans to the stuffing for a sweet and nutty flavor.
* **Stuffing Muffins:** Bake the stuffing in muffin tins for individual servings. This is a great way to control portion sizes and create a beautiful presentation.
Serving and Storage
Sausage cornbread stuffing is best served warm. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It can also be served as a side dish for vegetarian meals.
Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Troubleshooting
* **Stuffing is too dry:** Add more broth, a little at a time, until the stuffing reaches the desired consistency.
* **Stuffing is too soggy:** If the stuffing is too wet, bake it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
* **Stuffing is bland:** Add more salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor.
* **Stuffing is too dense:** Make sure you haven’t overmixed the stuffing. Also, ensure that the cornbread is not too moist.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 10-15g
*Note: Nutrition information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Sausage cornbread stuffing is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. With its combination of sweet cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a stuffing that will be the star of your holiday table!
Enjoy this delightful recipe and happy cooking!