Name: for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 6 cups cubed day-old cornbread; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping side that brings cozy nostalgia and irresistible flavor, this cornbread stuffing is truly perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner. The golden, slightly sweet cubes of cornbread soak up a savory broth, mingle with buttery sautéed vegetables, and finish with a fragrant sprinkle of fresh parsley. Every bite is soft, aromatic, and just a little crispy on top—making it an instant favorite at both festive tables and weeknight suppers alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient earns its place by adding depth, color, or that classic comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each one matters):

Cornbread: 6 cups cubed, day-old and slightly dried out for the best fluffy-yet-toasty texture.
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and building that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor foundation.
Onion: 1 small, diced, to add sweetness and savory depth as it cooks down.
Celery: 2 stalks, diced, for a subtle crunch and bright, classic stuffing flavor.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, infusing the whole dish with gentle, aromatic warmth.
Dried Sage: 1 teaspoon, the herb that gives stuffing its signature holiday aroma.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon, for an earthy note that balances the cornbread’s sweetness.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, just enough to boost all the savory flavors.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, bringing a touch of gentle heat.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 1¾ cups, to moisten and bind the stuffing—choose veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
Large Egg: 1, lightly beaten, for just the right amount of binding and fluffiness.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped and sprinkled on top for color and freshness.

How to Make for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. This simple step ensures your stuffing doesn’t stick and will slide out with those perfect golden edges everyone loves.

Step 2: Cube the Cornbread

Place your day-old cornbread on a cutting board and cut it into generous cubes. Transfer these to a large mixing bowl. The slight dryness of day-old bread lets them soak up maximum flavor without turning mushy, which is key for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just bubbling. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, letting everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes. Your kitchen will already smell like the holidays!

Step 4: Combine Cornbread and Veggies

Pour the fragrant sautéed vegetables directly over your cubed cornbread. This step lets the cornbread soak up every bit of those savory, herb-infused juices, making each bite taste like pure comfort.

Step 5: Add Broth and Egg

In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and lightly beaten egg. Pour this mixture evenly over the cornbread and veggies, then gently toss until everything is evenly moistened but not soggy. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid absorbs fully—patience here pays off for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the top turns a tempting golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will make everyone eager to gather at the table.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the warm stuffing with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve straight from the oven for that unbeatable just-baked flavor and texture.

How to Serve for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is classic, but you can get creative with a sprinkle of crispy fried sage leaves or even a handful of toasted pecans for extra crunch. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a warm color and subtle depth that works beautifully for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Side Dishes

This cornbread stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian main like stuffed squash. For a well-rounded plate, serve it alongside classic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a crisp green salad—no one will leave the table hungry at your Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, scoop the stuffing into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets before baking. Or, use it as a hearty filling for roasted bell peppers or acorn squash halves, adding a colorful, festive touch to your Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cornbread stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy a taste of your Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner all week long.

Freezing

This stuffing freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating for a future comforting dinner or impromptu celebration.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, uncover the last few minutes. A splash of extra broth can help refresh the texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free cornbread recipe or store-bought gluten-free cornbread, and double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free. The results are just as delicious and perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

What protein pairs best with cornbread stuffing?

This stuffing is a natural partner for roast turkey, but it’s equally fabulous with chicken, pork tenderloin, or even roasted salmon. For vegetarians, a stuffed squash or lentil loaf makes a hearty and satisfying main for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Can I add other ingredients to customize it?

Definitely! Try folding in cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped apples for added flavor and texture. Dried cranberries or pecans are also popular additions for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner twist.

How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?

Using day-old, slightly dried cornbread is key. Be gentle when adding the broth and egg mixture—stop when the cubes are just moistened but not drenched, and let it rest before baking so the liquid absorbs evenly.

Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian side dish that everyone will love for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Final Thoughts

This cornbread stuffing has all the cozy, nostalgic flavor you crave for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner—plus, it’s easy enough to make any time you need a little extra comfort on your table. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a cherished staple in your own kitchen traditions!

for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner Recipe

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4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cornbread Stuffing is a perfect blend of savory herbs and comforting textures, ideal for a holiday meal or a cozy dinner side dish. Made with cubed day-old cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned broth, it offers a delicious southern American flavor that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Mixture

6 cups cubed day-old cornbread

Vegetables & Seasonings

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid & Binder

1¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Prepare cornbread base: Place the cubed day-old cornbread into a large mixing bowl to serve as the stuffing foundation.
Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors well.
Combine with cornbread: Pour the cooked vegetable and herb mixture over the cubed cornbread, evenly distributing.
Mix broth and egg: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth with the lightly beaten egg until combined.
Moisten stuffing: Pour the broth and egg mixture over the cornbread and vegetables. Gently toss everything until the cornbread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
Allow absorption: Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the liquid can fully absorb, ensuring a tender stuffing texture.
Bake covered: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.

Notes

Use homemade or store-bought cornbread, but ensure it’s slightly dried out to achieve the best stuffing texture.
Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or chopped apples to customize the stuffing according to your preference.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Day-old bread is essential as fresh bread may become too mushy during soaking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American