Mouth-Watering Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
It is a truth universally acknowledged that nothing beats the comforting aroma of a kitchen filled with the tantalizing fragrance of southern-style cooking. And if there’s one recipe that truly captures the essence of soul food, it’s Southern Cornbread Stuffing. A quintessential part of any Thanksgiving or family gathering, this hearty dish is packed with flavor and tradition, bringing our loved ones together around the table.
As a chef specializing in southern cuisine, let me tell you that this Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe is the epitome of what good food should be. It’s easy to make, yet the flavors and textures are so harmonious that you’ll feel like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, adding herbs and spices in precise amounts to achieve a balance of flavors, and baking it to perfection.
So whether you’re looking for a soul-warming side dish to complement your roasted turkey or simply craving the comfort food of your roots, this Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe will not disappoint. Get ready to indulge in a savory delight that will transport you straight to the heart of southern cuisine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Allow me to extol the virtues of this exquisite southern cornbread stuffing recipe. If you’re a fan of soul food or any southern cuisine, then this dressing recipe is tailor-made for you. As someone who has grown up relishing homemade dishes, I can assure you that there is nothing more comforting than a savory and delectable stuffing to complement your roasted chicken or turkey.
This southern-style cornbread stuffing features an impeccable blend of the freshest ingredients, including juicy and aromatic celery, onions, and poultry seasoning. But the piece de resistance of this recipe is not merely its constituents but rather the rich, flavorful texture of southern cornbread that raises it above all other dressings. The combination of finely crumbled cornbread and cubed bread creates a range of delightful textures – soft and tender in some places, delightfully crunchy in others – that culminates in an unforgettable taste.
What difference does southern-style cornbread create for the dressing? Cornmeal gives your bread its distinctive texture and a hint of sweetness, rendering your stuffing unique when compared to traditional northern styles. The addition of ample butter gives the bread a velvety texture that can withstand being mixed with savory broth while providing it with an irresistible golden color during baking.
In conclusion, do not hesitate any longer to try this mouth-watering cornbread stuffing recipe. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion when you aim to amaze your guests with authentic southern cooking. Trust me when I say that once you sample this easy southern-style cornbread dressing, you’ll never go for store-bought varieties again!
Ingredient List
Before we begin with the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients. For this delicious Southern Cornbread Stuffing, you will need the following:
Cornbread Dressing:
- 8 cups crumbled sweet Southern cornbread
- 8 cups crumbled stale white bread
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped onions (sweet onions preferred)
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Jiffy Cornbread:
- 1 package Jiffy cornbread mix
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Bread Crumbs:
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups soft bread crumbs
You can either use prepared cornbread or prepare the cornbread beforehand with homemade cornbread. Now that we have all our ingredients in place, let’s get started with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the most anticipated part of this southern-style cornbread stuffing recipe – the cooking and mixing process. You will be surprised at how quickly you can pull together this crowd-pleaser dish. Follow these simple steps to achieve great taste with ease:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C) so that it will be ready just in time for baking.
Step 2: Prep ingredients
Before starting, you need to prepare all the necessary ingredients, chop 2 cups of onions, 3 cups of celery and 8 cups of baked southern-style cornbread into small cubes, and then put them in separate bowls.
Step 3: Sautee onions and celery
In a large saucepan on medium heat, melt [8 tablespoons] of unsalted butter until it turns slightly brown. Then add the bowl of onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes. Add the bowl of celery and sauté together for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
After sauteing, remove from heat and transfer the onion and celery mixture to a larger mixing bowl. Add in the cubed cornbread muffins and set aside.
Step 5: Add eggs & broth mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together [2 large] beaten eggs with [2 cups] low-sodium chicken broth, adding in [1 teaspoon] each of ground sage, black pepper, salt, and poultry seasoning while stirring. Pour this egg mixture over your combined cornbread muffins, onions and celery slowly until they are evenly coated.
Step 6: Spoon batter into baking pan
Grease an oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray then pour in the stuffing batter mixture until it fills the dish or pan about 3/4 full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown on top and perfectly cooked. You can use a toothpick to check if the center is completely cooked through.
With these easy steps, you will have yourself a platter of scrumptious southern-style cornbread stuffing that is perfect for any occasion- be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even an ordinary weeknight dinner.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I am always excited to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create new flavors or accommodate dietary preferences. When it comes to this Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe, there are a few options you can consider to elevate the dish or make it your own.
If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or simply use water. You can also omit the sausage and add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, you can incorporate jalapenos or chili flakes when sautéing onions and celery. If you would like a sweeter taste, try using honey instead of sugar when making the cornbread.
Instead of traditional white bread, you could also use wheat bread or even croissants for an interesting twist. You can experiment with different herbs and spices as well – sage is traditional, but rosemary or thyme could work well too.
If you want to serve this dish as a standalone meal rather than as a side dish, adding boiled eggs, boiled chicken or turkey would turn this stuffing into a hearty protein-packed soul food dish.
Overall, this Southern Cornbread Stuffing recipe has great potential for experimentation based on your preferences and creativity; there’s no right or wrong way to do it!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is ready, it’s time to prepare it for serving. I recommend scooping the mixture into a large baking dish and letting it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This will allow the flavors to meld together perfectly and ensure the stuffing isn’t too hot to eat.
If you’re feeding a large crowd, you can serve the stuffing family-style in the baking dish at the center of your dinner table, inviting your loved ones to help themselves. However, if you want to impress your guests with a more formal presentation, a great option is to use individual ramekins, mini casserole dishes, or even hollowed-out acorn squash halves as serving vessels. This will create an elegant look, and everyone gets their own portion of perfectly baked stuffing.
When it comes to pairing this recipe with other dishes, there are many options available that complement the Southern-style cornbread dressing. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal, serve this recipe alongside roasted turkey or chicken and gravy with collard greens or sweet potato casserole as side dishes. If you’re looking for something a little different, try pairing it with fried chicken and green beans or BBQ pulled pork.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; it goes well with almost any Southern soul food dish you can think of! So whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply want a comforting dinner at home, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic comfort food.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
It’s always a pleasure to make dishes ahead of time, especially when they can be stored and reheated with ease. The Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is perfect for those who like to plan ahead without sacrificing any of the flavor.
To make ahead, place the stuffing in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.
To reheat the stuffing, place it in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated thoroughly. You can also reheat it in a microwave-safe dish on high power for about 5 minutes, but stir it every minute to ensure even reheating.
When reheating cornbread stuffing, you need to be mindful of drying it out. To keep moisture locked in and prevent drying, douse some extra chicken broth on top before reheating.
This recipe is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Soul food dinner tables but don’t save it just for thanksgiving; it can be enjoyed year-round! Whether you make it ahead or serve right away, this Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma and will have your guests asking you for more.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Southern Cornbread Stuffing, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
Firstly, prepare your cornbread at least one day ahead of time. This will ensure that it’s completely cool and crumbles easily, which is crucial for the texture of the stuffing.
When mixing the ingredients for the stuffing, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the stuffing too dense or gluey. Instead, mix until everything is just combined.
Use a good quality chicken broth to bring extra depth and flavor to your stuffing. Homemade broth is always best if possible, but if you must use store-bought, try to find a brand with no added preservatives or artificial flavors.
Another tip is to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more black pepper or sage if you prefer a spicier or more herbacious stuffing. Taste as you go and don’t be afraid to adjust accordingly.
If you prefer a moister stuffing, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency before baking. On the other hand, if you like your stuffing on the drier side, reduce the amount of broth in the recipe.
Finally, one common mistake is baking the stuffing covered for too long. The top of the stuffing should be golden brown and crispy when it’s ready. If you find that yours isn’t browning properly after 40-45 minutes of baking, simply remove the foil covering and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly seasoned and textured Southern Cornbread Stuffing every time that will bring soulful satisfaction to your loved ones.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise while preparing the Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. Keep reading to find out more!
What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?
When it comes to cornbread, there are differences between what you might find in the North versus the South. Northern cornbread tends to be less sweet and is made with a coarser yellow cornmeal that results in a crumbly texture. In the South, however, cornbread is typically made with either white or yellow cornmeal, has a delightfully buttery flavor, and is fluffier due to the addition of more eggs.
What is the difference between cornbread stuffing and cornbread dressing?
When it comes to holiday meal accompaniments, it’s important to know the difference between stuffing and dressing. While stuffing is prepared and baked inside the bird, dressing is cooked separately in a dish. In the South, dressing is typically made using cornbread instead of traditional bread options.
How to make Paula Deen cornbread dressing?
To start this recipe, I use 1/4 cup of butter and add it to a pan over medium heat. Then, I add in 2 cups of chopped onions, 2 cups of chopped celery, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. I cook those ingredients for a few minutes until they are soft and fragrant. Next, I add 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of cream of chicken soup to the pan. I stir everything together until it is well-combined.
In a separate bowl, I lightly beat 2 large eggs and add in 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning. Once the soup mixture in the pan has come to a simmer, I slowly pour the egg mixture into the pan while stirring continuously. I let everything cook together for a few more minutes until the soup has thickened slightly and the egg is cooked through.
This recipe creates a delicious and comforting chicken and vegetable soup with a creamy texture and savory flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to warm up on a chilly day.
What is cornbread dressing made of?
Cornbread becomes more delicious and textured with additions of eggs, buttermilk and melted butter. The next step is to crumble, bake and cool the cornbread, followed by making the dressing by using butter to provide richness. Achieving a textural and vegetal flavor can be possible by adding celery and sweet onions to the dish.
Bottom Line
Thus, if you crave a delicious and soulful Thanksgiving side dish, look no further than this southern cornbread stuffing recipe. With its rich, savory flavors and tender texture, it is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you follow the recipe as written or mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences, this stuffing is a top-notch addition to any feast. So don’t hesitate! Give this classic southern dish a try and savor the warm and comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness.
Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- cornbread, you can make your own our use any boxed cornbread mix you like (Two 13x9x2 pans- cooked)
- 4 1/2 cups chopped celery
- 2 1/2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs (slightly beaten)
- 1 (11 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 8 -10 teaspoons ground sage (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- turkey drippings (Broth from cooked turkey or chicken)
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth, if needed (this will depend on how much broth you get from your cooked turkey. (you may need 2-4 cans)
Instructions
- Cook onions and celery in butter over medium heat until tender.
- Crumble cooked (cooled) cornbread into a large roasting pan, add the onions and celery. Stir well; Pour in turking drippings, eggs, soup, sage, salt and pepper. Stir well. Add canned broth if needed to make mixture very moist. It should be the consistency of a cake batter. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until firm and top is light golden brown.