Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table, you’ll love this homemade cornbread stuffing.
It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that truly elevates any meal. The cornbread provides a slightly sweet base, while the savory sausage and fresh veggies add depth.
I adore how the seasonings come together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills my kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.
Trust me, once you serve this stuffing, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients of Homemade Cornbread Stuffing
When it comes to making the perfect homemade cornbread stuffing, having the right ingredients is essential. This stuffing isn’t just any old recipe; it’s a delightful medley of flavors that come together to create something truly special.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cornbread mingling with savory sausage and a colorful mix of veggies wafting through your home. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So, let’s gather up everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious stuffing that will have everyone at the table raving!
Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing homemade cornbread stuffing:
- 2 (8 1/2 ounce) boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
- 8 ounces Jimmy Dean sausage
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped (leaves included)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (a handful should do)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- Turkey gizzard, liver, and heart (cleaned)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 1/2 ounces vegetable seasoning (like Goya)
- 1 (8 1/2 ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Now that we’ve our ingredients all laid out, it’s important to mention a few things. First, if you’re not a fan of turkey gizzards and such, don’t sweat it! You can totally leave them out or replace them with a little extra sausage or mushrooms for that hearty texture.
Also, feel free to get creative with your veggies. If bell peppers aren’t your jam, perhaps some carrots or even zucchini could add a nice twist. And don’t forget to adjust those seasonings to match your taste preference—everyone has their own idea of what “just right” seasoning is, right?
How to Make Homemade Cornbread Stuffing
Making your own homemade cornbread stuffing is like wrapping up all the warmth and love of the holidays into one delicious dish. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in the steps that will transform those ingredients into a savory masterpiece.
First things first, you’ll want to bake 2 (8 1/2 ounce) boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix the night before you plan to serve it. Why the night before, you ask? Well, it gives the cornbread a chance to cool and dry out a bit, which is perfect for making the stuffing absorb all those yummy flavors.
While your cornbread is baking, take some time to prep the turkey gizzard, liver, and heart. You’ll want to clean them up, then toss them into a pot with 1/4 of a large onion, some salt, pepper, 2 bay leaves, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. This step makes the meat tender and adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Once that’s done, crumble the cooled cornbread into a large bowl. You can even channel your inner toddler and really get in there—crumble it like you mean it.
Now onto the fun part: in a large skillet, cook 8 ounces of Jimmy Dean sausage until it’s nice and browned, then drain it on some paper towels. In that same skillet, melt 1/2 cup of margarine and sauté the rest of the chopped onion, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of bell pepper, 1 cup of chopped celery (leaves included, because why not), and 2 cups of chopped mushrooms.
Add in your chopped turkey parts, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, and 1 1/2 ounces of vegetable seasoning. Let it all mingle together for a minute until you can practically hear the flavors singing.
Then, pour the sautéed mixture over the crumbled cornbread, along with the drained can of corn. Mix it all up like you’re trying to make friends at a party. Finally, add enough of that 14-ounce can of chicken broth to moisten everything up—think of it like giving your stuffing a good drink to keep it cozy.
After you’ve stuffed your turkey (or just put any extra stuffing in a baking dish), pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 55 minutes.
And there you have it—your homemade cornbread stuffing is ready to shine at the dinner table! Just try not to eat it all before it makes it to the table. I mean, I can’t be the only one who’s done that, right?
Homemade Cornbread Stuffing Substitutions & Variations
While traditional recipes are comforting, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate homemade cornbread stuffing to new heights.
I often swap out the Jimmy Dean sausage for a plant-based alternative or add diced apples for a sweet twist. You can also try using different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, instead of sage.
If you want a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or diced green chilies. For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free cornbread mix.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this stuffing your own!
What to Serve with Homemade Cornbread Stuffing
To truly elevate your homemade cornbread stuffing, consider pairing it with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors and textures.
I love serving it alongside roasted turkey, as the savory meat harmonizes perfectly with the stuffing’s sweetness. A side of green beans or Brussels sprouts adds a nice crunch, balancing the dish’s richness.
You can’t go wrong with a rich gravy drizzled over everything, either. If you want to add a touch of brightness, a cranberry sauce brings an invigorating contrast.
Trust me, these combinations create a satisfying and memorable meal that’ll impress your family and friends.
Additional Tips & Notes
Although every family has their own traditions, there are a few tips that can help you perfect your homemade cornbread stuffing.
First, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients; adding nuts or dried fruits can elevate the flavors. If you’re short on time, using store-bought cornbread works just fine.
I’ve found that making the stuffing a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on the moisture; it should be moist but not soggy.
Finally, remember to let the stuffing rest after baking; it’ll hold together better when served. Happy cooking!