Name: Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect 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 crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought); 1/2 loaf (about 3 cups) day-old white or French bread, cubed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 1/2–3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup cooked crumbled sausage or diced apples

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If there’s one dish that always brings me back to the warmth and joy of family gatherings, it’s Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner. With its golden, crumbly texture, aromatic herbs, and buttery richness, this Southern favorite transforms even the simplest table into a feast. Whether nestled alongside roasted turkey or served as the hero of a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a recipe that evokes happy memories, can be tweaked to suit your personal taste, and is sure to have everyone going back for seconds!

Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to stuffing success! Each component, from the bread to the herbs, plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture, making this classic dish both comforting and irresistible.

Cornbread: 6 cups crumbled (homemade or store-bought) give this stuffing its distinctly Southern charm and tender crumb.
White or French Bread: 1/2 loaf, about 3 cups cut into cubes, adds structure and a bit of chew to balance the soft cornbread.
Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted, because richness is key for a moist and flavorful stuffing.
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped for that gentle, sweet foundation of flavor found in every bite.
Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped; don’t skip it! It delivers freshness and crunch.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; a subtle background note that deepens the savory profile.
Dried Sage: 2 teaspoons; a classic herb here for warmth and earthiness.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon; brings a floral, woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with cornbread.
Salt: 1 teaspoon; essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for gentle heat and flavor contrast.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 2 1/2–3 cups, low-sodium; keeps the mixture moist and adds depth—adjust for your ideal texture.
Eggs: 2 large, beaten; these bind everything into a tender, scoopable stuffing.
Optional Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup chopped for a pop of green and freshness.
Optional Sausage or Apples: 1/2 cup cooked crumbled sausage or diced apples for extra flavor and festive flair.

How to Make Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray—this will guarantee your stuffing comes out easily with those irresistible golden edges intact.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, translucent, and smelling absolutely heavenly. Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for one more minute, just until everything is fragrant and the spices have bloomed.

Step 3: Combine the Bread and Vegetables

In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and the cubed white or French bread. Pour the hot, herby vegetable mixture right over the top. Toss everything together gently so each piece of bread gets infused with savory flavor—this is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth and the beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread, stirring gently until all the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Add a little more broth if the mixture seems dry—the goal is a moist but not soupy consistency.

Step 5: Fold in Add-Ins

If you’re using them, now’s the moment to gently fold in the parsley and your choice of cooked sausage or diced apples. This step adds pops of color and personalized flavor to your Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner.

Step 6: Transfer and Bake

Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the stuffing is golden on top and deliciously set. For a super-crisp top, switch on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully!

How to Serve Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner

Garnishes

I love to finish Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, maybe a few sprigs of thyme, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These garnishes add a burst of color and elevate the final dish with effortless style.

Side Dishes

This stuffing is right at home next to roasted turkey, juicy chicken, or a plant-based main. Pair it with tangy cranberry sauce, garlicky green beans, or a simple leafy salad. The savory, herby flavors make it a versatile addition to nearly any menu.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, bake individual portions in muffin tins—perfect for buffets! Or, if you’re feeling extra festive, spoon the warm stuffing into roasted acorn squash halves. However you serve it, Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner will keep well for up to four days. Let the stuffing cool completely before covering, which helps retain its comforting texture.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too! Cut into portions, wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s perfect for prepping ahead and can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). If you want that irresistibly crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick, cozy lunch.

FAQs

Can I make Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free cornbread and bread, and double-check that your broth and any add-ins are gluten free. The flavors and texture will still be deliciously satisfying!

What’s the best way to keep stuffing from getting soggy?

Start by slowly adding the broth and stirring gently; you want the mixture moist, not wet. As it bakes uncovered, the top will turn perfectly golden while the interior stays tender but never mushy.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! Assemble everything except for baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake and serve—perfect for reducing prep stress during the holidays.

Is it possible to make Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner vegetarian?

Definitely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the sausage. For extra flavor, toss in more herbs or try the diced apple add-in for a sweet-savory twist.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can use a flaxseed or chia egg mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or chia seeds plus 3 tablespoons water per egg) or simply use extra broth for moisture. The resulting stuffing will still be flavorful and comforting.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired (and a little bit hungry!) after reading about Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner. Whether you’re making it for a festive feast or a comforting dinner on a chilly night, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients, savor the aroma as it bakes, and watch it become a new family favorite on your table!

Cornbread Stuffing: Perfect for a Holiday Meal or Comforting Dinner Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cornbread Stuffing recipe is a delicious addition to any holiday meal or a comforting dinner option. Made with a combination of cornbread, white bread, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)

White Bread Mixture:

1/2 loaf (about 3 cups) day-old white or French bread, cubed

Vegetable Mix:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Binder:

2 1/2–3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten

Optional Additions:

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup cooked crumbled sausage or diced apples

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté onion and celery until softened. Add garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook briefly.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cornbread, bread cubes, and sautéed vegetables. Pour broth and egg mixture over the bread, ensuring it’s moist but not soggy. Add optional ingredients if desired.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.