Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it becomes the star of your holiday table, overshadowing even the main course. This Cornbread and Sweet Italian Sausage Stuffing is not just another boring stuffing recipe - it's a flavor-packed, texture-rich culinary experience that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Combining the rustic sweetness of cornbread with the savory punch of Italian sausage, this stuffing transforms a traditional side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that's guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 loaf cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving behind the rendered fat. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and celery until they become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cornbread into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and celery.
- Sprinkle sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently fold the herbs and seasonings into the cornbread and sausage mixture.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy. The mixture should be moist but not wet.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture - slightly dried bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy consistency.
- Don't skip browning the sausage completely - those caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to over-mix when adding broth - you want the bread moist, not soggy.
- For extra richness, consider adding a beaten egg to help bind the stuffing.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake before serving for maximum convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
