Cornbread Stuffing

There’s something truly comforting about a warm dish of Cornbread Stuffing during the fall. The aroma of baked cornbread fills your kitchen, and you can almost hear the whispers of family traditions echoing around the dinner table. Growing up, I remember my grandmother always preparing this dish, her special recipe passed down through generations. The combination of dried cornbread and crusty French bread creates a delightful texture, while the savory herbs and spices provide a flavorful depth that complements any meal. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, Cornbread Stuffing has a way of bringing everyone together, igniting memories that warm the heart.

Shopping List for Cornbread Stuffing

When it comes to the ingredients for Cornbread Stuffing, each one plays a pivotal role in creating that comforting dish we all love. The combination of cornbread with French bread provides the perfect base, while the addition of fresh herbs brings a burst of flavor. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only satisfying but also embodies the essence of fall.

• 6 to 8 cups dried cornbread cubes – approximately an 8×8 pan of cornbread.
• 6 to 8 cups dried French bread cubes – approximately 1 loaf of crusty French bread.
• 1/2 cup butter – salted or unsalted, depending on your taste.
• 1 medium yellow onion – diced, to add sweetness and depth.
• 4 ribs celery – diced, for a crunchy texture.
• 4 to 5 cups low sodium chicken broth – regular chicken broth or turkey broth can also be used.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – brings an earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – adds a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley – chopped, for a fresh touch.
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary – chopped, for a robust flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt – more or less to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – more or less to taste.

Recipe Steps for Cornbread Stuffing

Making Cornbread Stuffing is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive right into the cooking!

1. Before making stuffing, ensure your bread has been dried. If you haven’t prepped this ahead of time, you can cut the bread into cubes and leave it out to dry out on the counter for a couple of days. Alternatively, dry it in the oven at a low heat of 250°F for 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your stuffing bakes evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
3. Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and celery. Cook them down until they’re soft and somewhat translucent, creating a beautiful base for your stuffing.
4. Next, add the basil, thyme, fresh rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and let this come to a gentle simmer. This will enhance the flavors and create a deliciously aromatic broth.
6. In a large mixing bowl, place the dried cornbread and French bread cubes. Slowly ladle spoonfuls of the hot chicken broth over the bread, gently tossing in between spoonfuls to ensure the bread is well coated. You want it moist but not soggy, so be careful not to overdo it.
7. Once all the bread cubes have been moistened, transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring there are no dry spots.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the stuffing starts to turn a light golden brown. This browning adds a lovely texture and flavor.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes prior to serving. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Creating the best Cornbread Stuffing is all about the details. Here are some extra tips to ensure your dish steals the show!

• Storage: Store leftover Cornbread Stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Cornbread Stuffing. Just make sure to cool it completely first, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Pairing: Cornbread Stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or as a side for your holiday feast.
• Variations: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an added texture and flavor contrast. Pecans or dried cranberries work particularly well!
• Texture Matters: If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake it uncovered for a bit longer.

Pairing Suggestions for Cornbread Stuffing

When serving Cornbread Stuffing, consider these delightful options:

• Roasted Turkey: This is the classic pairing for Cornbread Stuffing, especially during Thanksgiving!
• Chicken: A simple roast chicken complements the flavors of the stuffing beautifully.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Side Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich stuffing.
• Festive Occasions: Perfect for holiday meals, family gatherings, or cozy dinners during the fall and winter months.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for a quick side dish throughout the week. Just reheat in the oven!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cornbread Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a reflection of tradition and familial love. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a must-have at any gathering. I encourage you to try making this delightful dish for your next holiday meal or family dinner. You’ll create lasting memories around the table and delight your loved ones with every bite.

Cornbread Stuffing

The ultimate comfort food, Cornbread Stuffing combines the delightful textures of cornbread and French bread with savory herbs for a rich, flavorful side. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy dinner, this dish will have your guests coming back for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 6 to 8 cups dried cornbread cubes approximately an 8×8 pan of cornbread.
• 6 to 8 cups dried French bread cubes approximately 1 loaf of crusty French bread.
• 1/2 cup butter salted or unsalted, depending on your taste.
• 1 medium yellow onion diced, to add sweetness and depth.
• 4 ribs celery diced, for a crunchy texture.
• 4 to 5 cups low sodium chicken broth regular chicken broth or turkey broth can also be used.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme brings an earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil adds a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped, for a fresh touch.
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped, for a robust flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt more or less to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper more or less to taste.

Instructions

 

• Before making stuffing, ensure your bread has been dried. If you haven’t prepped this ahead of time, you can cut the bread into cubes and leave it out to dry out on the counter for a couple of days. Alternatively, dry it in the oven at a low heat of 250°F for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your stuffing bakes evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
• Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and celery. Cook them down until they're soft and somewhat translucent, creating a beautiful base for your stuffing.
• Next, add the basil, thyme, fresh rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Pour in the chicken broth and let this come to a gentle simmer. This will enhance the flavors and create a deliciously aromatic broth.
• In a large mixing bowl, place the dried cornbread and French bread cubes. Slowly ladle spoonfuls of the hot chicken broth over the bread, gently tossing in between spoonfuls to ensure the bread is well coated. You want it moist but not soggy, so be careful not to overdo it.
• Once all the bread cubes have been moistened, transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring there are no dry spots.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the stuffing starts to turn a light golden brown. This browning adds a lovely texture and flavor.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes prior to serving. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

• Drying the Bread: This is a critical step for perfect stuffing. Dried bread absorbs the broth better, resulting in a better texture.
• Choosing the Right Broth: Opting for low sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of your dish better, enhancing the natural flavors.
• Herb Freshness: Using fresh herbs can elevate your stuffing's flavor. If you can, choose fresh over dried for a more vibrant taste.
• Baking Dish Size: Using a larger dish can help the stuffing brown better and ensure it cooks evenly.

Keyword comfort food, Cornbread Stuffing, Easy Stuffing Recipe, Thanksgiving side dish

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.