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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Excellent Cornbread Stuffing (With Sausage and Apples!)


Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Easy cornbread stuffing with sausage

Cornbread. Stuffing. This isn’t an “both… or…” state of affairs. That is the tag group of your goals. Gentle, crumbly, and subtly candy cornbread from scratch PLUS the best of all Thanksgiving sides. This Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is proof you can have all of it.

Easy cornbread stuffing with sausage

Cornbread stuffing will win over even staunch stuffing skeptics.

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

I do know many who suppose stuffing is simply ho-hum, and I see you. Till I began making stuffing from scratch, I used to really feel this fashion too. In the event you don’t look after stuffing, it’s since you haven’t discovered the fitting recipe but. Moist, flavorful home made stuffing—like at the moment’s cornbread stuffing and my wildly scrumptious Chestnut Stuffing—are game-changers.

  • The fantastic thing about stuffing is that it’s bread—and everybody loves bread. Nevertheless! This additionally makes stuffing a bit one-note. Sausage provides texture and heaps of taste, making this Southern cornbread stuffing hearty and satisfying, like basic Sausage Stuffing and Stuffing Muffins.
  • Savory herbs convey the basic Thanksgiving flavors residence, whereas apples and cranberries add texture, dimension, and a little bit of sweetness.
  • This cornbread stuffing pairs completely with turkey, however is equally as delectable by itself. I as soon as paired ours with a bowl of wealthy Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup, and it was one in every of our favourite fall dinners thus far.

5 Star Evaluation

“Beloved this stuffing recipe! The cranberries give it a shock sweetness! That is undoubtedly a keeper for years to return.
Thanks!!”

— Angela T. —
A baking dish of cornbread stuffing

Key Substances

You’ll discover the complete record of components within the recipe card beneath, however listed below are some notes to remember.

  • Cornmeal. The bottom of our simple, from-scratch cornbread. I like to recommend a medium grind to provide the stuffing a bit texture. (Sure, we love Jalapeño Cornbread and Mexican Cornbread, however we don’t need these flavors in our stuffing!)
  • Eggs. You set eggs in dressing to maintain the stuffing moist and make sure the cornbread holds collectively when folded with the opposite components.
  • Candy Italian Hen Sausage. I really like the additional pop of taste that Italian hen (or turkey) sausage brings to the stuffing. It makes it hearty and a standout. To make cornbread stuffing vegan, use a plant-based sausage and a vegan cornbread recipe.
  • Onion + Celery. The proper veggies so as to add to our cornbread stuffing. They provide it complexity and depth.
  • Dried Cranberries. A chewy and candy component that provides shade, a enjoyable vacation vibe, and an extra dimension.
  • Apple. I like a tart Granny Smith, however any agency apple will do.
  • Herbs. Whereas I strongly suggest recent sage and thyme for the most effective taste, should you can’t discover them, you may swap them for rubbed sage and dried thyme. Use 1/3 of the quantity referred to as for within the recipe. The parsley flakes will also be swapped for two tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf recent parsley.

Substitution Tip!

Overwhelmed on the large day and wish to chop out a recipe step? YES, you should use cornbread combine to make stuffing!

  • Jiffy cornbread stuffing or a distinct cornbread combine that bakes in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan is a wonderfully fantastic substitute. Make sure to dice and toast the baked cornbread because the recipe states. (Though you may bake these mixes into Cornbread Muffins, I like to recommend baking in a pan for simple cubing.)
  • I don’t suggest Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing (or any model that has the cubes already baked and reduce), as the quantity of liquid you want shall be completely different, and I’m uncertain of the outcomes.
  • If in case you have a most well-liked cornbread recipe, you should use that as a substitute of the one I’ve urged. Simply be sure you bake it in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan so you find yourself with the right variety of cubes; I’d additionally recommend selecting a recipe that doesn’t have too many extras in order that the flavors of the stuffing itself can shine.

Easy methods to Make Cornbread Stuffing

Begin the Cornbread. Soften the butter, then let it come to room temperature.

Combine the Moist Substances. I take advantage of milk and vinegar for a shortcut buttermilk.

End the Batter. Whisk collectively the dry components. Fold within the moist components.

Bake. Bake the cornbread for 16 to twenty minutes at 425 levels F.

Dice and Toast. This dries the cornbread so it may soak up the flavorful stuffing liquid.

Prep the Combine-Ins. Saute the sausage combination.

Combine the Sausage and Moist Substances. Now we’re prepared for the cornbread.

Add the Cornbread. Fold gently.

End. Switch the stuffing to a baking dish, and bake cornbread stuffing for 35 to 40 minutes at 375 levels F. ENJOY!

Prep Tip!

Seeking to unlock your oven? Do that basic Crock Pot Stuffing or this Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing.

Make Forward Cornbread Stuffing Ideas

Get forward in your Thanksgiving menu with these make forward stuffing ideas!

  • Bake the Cornbread Forward. You can also make cornbread as much as 2 days upfront and toast the cubes as much as 1 day upfront. Retailer them in a container at room temperature.
  • Cook dinner the Combine-Ins Forward. Sauté the onion, celery, sausage, and apple within the skillet (Steps 7-9 of the recipe beneath) the day earlier than. Refrigerate in an hermetic container.
  • Make the Recipe Forward. Actually crunched on the large day? You can also make the cornbread stuffing 1 to 2 days forward of time and refrigerate it. (Leftover cornbread stuffing could be refrigerated for as much as 4 days, however personally, I want it most on day 1 or 2, so wait so long as is possible.)
Delicious and easy side dish in a baking dish

Reheating Ideas

In the event you make your cornbread absolutely upfront, right here is one of the best ways to reheat it:

  • Reheating. Take away it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature so it’s going to prepare dinner extra evenly. Cowl the pan with foil, then place it in a 350 levels F oven and reheat to an inner temperature of 165 levels F. Relying on how a lot you’re reheating, this may take about half-hour.
  • Crispy Prime. To recreate the crispy high after storing it within the fridge (a crucial stuffing issue!), take away the foil for the final 10-Quarter-hour of reheating; you may also pop it beneath the broiler for a couple of minutes.
  • Preserve the Stuffing Moist. If the stuffing feels dry, add a splash of inventory (and even turkey juices) earlier than reheating.

Leftover Concepts

Leftovers may simply be the perfect a part of Thanksgiving. Flip your leftover stuffing into these tasty Tacky Breakfast Stuffing Truffles.

Stuffing with cornbread, cranberries, and celery

What to Serve with Cornbread Stuffing

Easy cornbread stuffing with sausage
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Cornbread Stuffing

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This savory cornbread stuffing with sausage, apple, and herbs will steal the present at your Thanksgiving. It's simple to make forward too!
Course Aspect Dish
Delicacies American
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook dinner Time 40 minutes
Whole Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Energy 372kcal

Substances

For the Cornbread:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup nonfat milk at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (I take advantage of medium grind)
  • 1 cup white complete wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 massive eggs at room temperature

For the Stuffing:

  • 2 ½ cups lowered sodium hen broth
  • 2 massive eggs
  • 1 pound candy Italian sausage I take advantage of hen or turkey sausage
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 stalks celery reduce in small cube
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon floor black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 Granny smith apple peeled and 1/4- to 1/2-inch diced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons chopped recent sage or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
  • 1 tablespoon recent thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes or 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  • Bake the cornbread (do that as much as 2 days upfront): Place a rack within the middle of your oven and preheat the oven to 425 levels F, with a baking rack on the center stage. Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Soften the butter and let come to room temperature.
  • In a medium bowl or massive measuring cup, stir collectively the milk and vinegar. Enable it to sit down for five to 10 minutes, or till the milk has curdled barely (you may also swap the milk for buttermilk, omit the vinegar, and skip this step). Stir within the honey, eggs, and melted butter.
  • In a big mixing bowl, whisk collectively the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the moist components and fold gently to mix.
    Batter being whisked in a bowl
  • Pour the batter into the ready pan and clean the highest. Bake for 16 to twenty minutes, till the cornbread is mild and golden brown, with a deeper golden brown on the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center ought to come out clear. Put aside to chill. Cut back the oven temperature to 300 levels F.
    Cornbread in a baking dish
  • As soon as the cornbread is cool, reduce it into 1-inch cubes (for the reason that pan of cornbread is thicker than 1 inch, I reduce mine into 1-inch cubes from the highest, then flip every “row” of cubes on its facet after which reduce it in half once more by means of the center). Unfold in a single layer on an ungreased or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. The cubes can contact, however don’t overlap them (in case your pan is simply too small, divide them onto two pans). Toast within the oven for Quarter-hour. Enhance the oven temperature to 375 levels F.
    Cornbread cubes for stuffing
  • Make the stuffing: Calmly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a really massive bowl, whisk collectively the eggs and hen broth.
  • In a big skillet on the range, soften the butter over medium warmth. Add the onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook dinner till the greens start to melt, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and prepare dinner 30 seconds, till aromatic.
  • Add the sausage to the skillet (if it’s in its casing, you may squeeze them into the skillet immediately). Cook dinner, breaking apart the meat into crumbles. Add the apple.
  • Proceed cooking till the sausage is cooked by means of virtually fully, about 4 minutes extra, then stir within the cranberries, sage, thyme, and parsley.
    A skillet of stuffing ingredients
  • Take away the pan from the warmth and let it cool a couple of minutes. Pour into the bowl with the broth and eggs, together with any cooking juices.
  • To the bowl, add the toasted cornbread cubes. Along with your largest spoon, stir very gently to mix the components. Proceed stirring and folding, till every part is evenly moistened.
    Stuffing ingredients being stirred in a bowl
  • Spoon into the ready baking dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, till toasted on high and the middle is moist however not overly damp. Serve heat.
    Ingredients to make a festive holiday side dish in a baking dish

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Switch leftovers to an hermetic container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an hermetic container or zip-top bag for as much as 3 months. Let it thaw within the fridge earlier than reheating.
  • TO REHEAT: Take away it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature so it’s going to prepare dinner extra evenly. Cowl the pan with foil, then place it in a 350 levels F oven and reheat to an inner temperature of 165 levels F. Relying on how a lot you’re reheating, this may take about half-hour.
  • FOR A CRISPY TOP:To recreate the crispy high after storing it within the fridge (a crucial stuffing issue!), take away the foil for the final 10-Quarter-hour of reheating; you may also pop it beneath the broiler for a couple of minutes.
  • TO KEEP IT MOIST: If the stuffing feels dry, add a splash of inventory (and even turkey juices) earlier than reheating.

Diet

Serving: 1(of 8) | Energy: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 14g | Fats: 19g | Saturated Fats: 8g | Monounsaturated Fats: 3g | Ldl cholesterol: 122mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2mg

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