Hey there y’all! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make dish to serve at your next holiday gathering, then look no further than my Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe. This bake combines two of our favorite things: juicy turkey tenderloin and savory cornbread dressing, resulting in a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

This recipe is a Southern classic that has been passed down through generations of my family, and I am thrilled to share it with you today. As a Southern chef, I know what makes a dish truly unique and delicious, and this flavor-packed turkey stuffing bake brings together all the best flavors of the season.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare (making it perfect for busy holiday cooks), but it also can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Plus, by using turkey breast tenderloins instead of a full bird, you can enjoy all the wonderful flavors of Thanksgiving without worrying about dry meat or leftovers taking over your fridge.

So get ready to impress your guests with this soulful and delicious Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe. Trust me- they will be begging you for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Do you want to impress your guests with a soulful and savory dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine? Well, look no further than this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe! Trust me, this dish will leave your taste buds singing and your stomach full.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of juicy turkey breast tenderloins, delicious cornbread stuffing mix, savory bacon, and aromatic onions. Seasoned to perfection with garlic powder, thyme leaves, and seasoning salt, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

But what sets this Southern-style cornbread dressing apart is the fact that it is baked into a casserole dish. The result is an indulgent treat that beautifully fuses classic holiday flavors with a modern twist. It’s like enjoying your favorite Thanksgiving stuffing and southern-style cornbread in one scrumptious bite!

Plus, this turkey stuffing bake recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add chicken or sausage stuffing or use leftover turkey instead of tenderloins, this recipe is so versatile that you can create a soul food cornbread dressing that suits your needs.

In conclusion, you’ll love this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe because it combines all of your favorite holiday flavors in one easy casserole. So, why not try this recipe out for yourself and see why it has become a staple in Southern cooking? Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

Let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll need for this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe. Be sure to gather all of these items before beginning the recipe to ensure that your cooking process goes smoothly.

Ingredients:

1 pound turkey breast tenderloins
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 cups water
1 package cornbread stuffing mix
4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups of southern cornbread dressing recipe, cooked and moist
8 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter

Notes on Ingredients:

Turkey Breast Tenderloins: These are lean cuts of turkey that cook quickly and are perfect for this recipe. However, you can also use leftover turkey from a previous meal or cooked chicken or sausage.
Cornbread Stuffing Mix: This may be purchased pre-made from a store, or you can make your own using your favorite southern-style cornbread recipe.
Bacon: For the best results, choose a high-quality bacon that is not too fatty.
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe: This is a classic part of southern soul food cuisine. It is also known as old-fashioned cornbread, and it usually contains cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder.

The Recipe How-To

A mouthwatering blend of spices and flavors

Let’s dive into the fun part: the recipe how-to! Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake:

Prep Time

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Season and Bake the Turkey

Season turkey breast tenderloins with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dried thyme leaves.
Place them in a baking dish and pour 1 cup of water in the bottom of the dish.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Cook Onion and Bacon

In a separate pan, cook 4 slices of bacon cut into small pieces until crispy, then remove from the pan.
In the same pan, cook 1 cup chopped onion until softened, then also remove from the heat.

Make Cornbread Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box of cornbread stuffing mix with 2 cups of water until moistened.
Next, add in 1 cup of southern-style cornbread dressing, 4 cups of leftover turkey (or chicken), and the cooked onion and bacon.
Mix well, adding more water if needed to keep the mixture moist but not too saturated.

Bake

Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish and dot the top with 8 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces.
Add pieces of baked turkey tenderloins on top.
Cover with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy!

This Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake will be sure to impress your guests with its classic flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for any occasion from holiday dinners to a comforting mid-week meal. Serve it up warm and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

The perfect balance of sweetness and heat

When it comes to cooking, it’s always fun to experiment with substitutions and variations. This recipe for Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake is no exception! Here are a few ideas to help you make this dish your own:

– Swap turkey breast tenderloins for leftover turkey meat from a previous meal. This is a great way to use up leftovers while adding extra flavor to this dish.

– Use chicken instead of turkey. Chicken and turkey have similar flavors, so this substitution won’t change the taste of the recipe too much.

– Try using sausage stuffing mix or cornbread dressing mix for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own Southern Cornbread Dressing using an old family recipe or one from a famous chef like Kardea Brown, as seen on Food Network’s “Delicious Miss Brown”.

– Add vegetables to the recipe for more nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, carrots or mushrooms would all be great additions!

– Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cornbread stuffing mix or by replacing the cornbread with a gluten-free version.

– For a spicier version of this recipe, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture.

It’s always exciting to get creative with recipes by adding your own personal touch. Just remember to adjust cooking times and ingredient amounts accordingly based on your substitutions and variations. Happy experimenting!

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving this delicious southern turkey-stuffing bake, you have many great options to choose from. You can serve it as a delightful main course for dinner, or you can make it as a perfect side dish for your holiday feast.

To add a touch of freshness and nutrition to this dish, I would recommend pairing it with some fresh steamed green beans. This will not only provide a nice color contrast, but also balance the richness of the bake. You can also go for a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten up your plate.

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, consider pairing the bake with some creamy mashed potatoes or some buttery corn-on-the-cob. These comforting sides will complement the hearty flavors of the stuffing and turkey perfectly.

When it comes to drinks, I suggest accompanying this savory classic with a glass of full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir. For those who prefer little tang and bubbles, sipping on some sparkling cider is also an excellent choice.

Whatever pairings you choose, this southern-style cornbread stuffing bake recipe is sure to please any palate!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The hearty scent of southern cuisine in your kitchen

One of the best things about this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or want to get a head start on your holiday meal planning, this recipe is perfect for you.

To make this recipe ahead of time, you’ll first need to cook the turkey tenderloins and bacon according to the instructions provided in the recipe how-to section. Once fully cooked and cooled, chop the turkey into bite-size pieces and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Then, prepare the cornbread stuffing mix and mix in the cooked turkey and bacon.

If you’re making this recipe for Thanksgiving or any other holiday, you can make it up to two days ahead of time. To store, cover your ready-to-bake casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Store it in your fridge until ready to bake.

When it’s time to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven according to the recipe’s directions. Bake the unbaked casserole as instructed.

Once baked, this Southern-style cornbread dressing can easily be reheated for later meals. Just store any leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat your leftovers, simply place them back into an oven-safe casserole dish and heat them up in your preheated oven until hot and bubbly.

Now you know how easy it is to make this delicious Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe ahead of time while still maintaining its amazing flavors. So go ahead, give it a try and prepare for one less worry during busy weeks or holiday gatherings!

Tips for Perfect Results

A symphony of textures – crunchy, chewy, and creamy

As a Southern-style chef, I’ve learned some tips and tricks along the way to make sure your Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Here are some key things to keep in mind to take your dish from good to great.

Firstly, make sure you cook your turkey tenderloins properly. To get the juiciest, most flavorful meat possible, marinate them overnight in a mixture of garlic powder, seasoning salt, dried thyme leaves, and water. This will infuse the turkey with flavor and help it stay moist during cooking.

Secondly, aim for the perfect texture for your stuffing. Use a cornbread stuffing mix and mix in bacon and onion for added flavor. Bake your cornbread prior to making it into stuffing. When making your stuffing be sure that you make it moist enough but not too watery. I find that adding half of the required water then adding more if needed helps with achieving that perfect consistency.

Thirdly, layering is key when assembling your casserole dish. Start by spreading half of the Southern cornbread dressing on the bottom of the dish followed by a layer of the cooked turkey tenderloins on top then add another layer of dressing on top of that and lastly add a layer of cornbread stuffing mixed with bacon and onion.

Fourthly, while baking make sure that you cover with foil for 30 minutes allow steam buildup in order to create moisture throughout the casserole. Afterward, uncover to allow the top of the casserole to brown.

Lastly, let your Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake Recipe stand outside the oven at room temperature before serving for about five minutes so everything can settle upright and stay intact when serving up this delicious meal.

By following these tips, you’ll obtain a scrumptious southern-style casserole that everyone around will love!

FAQ

As a professional chef, I’ve tested and played around with this recipe until I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. However, some questions may still arise. So, to ensure your turkey stuffing bake comes out delicious every time, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers!

How do you keep stuffing moist when baking?

When preparing stuffing, it’s best to maintain a balance between dampness and dryness. While the bread in the stuffing can easily absorb moisture, it takes some time for the liquid to settle in, especially when the bread is dry. To avoid it becoming too moist or too dry, I recommend gradually adding around 1 cup of broth for every 4 cups of dry mix.

What temperature should stuffing be cooked at?

If you’re looking to make stuffing, it’s important to ensure that it’s cooked safely. Whether you plan on stuffing it into meat, poultry, or a casserole, it’s best to bake it at a minimum of 325°F. To make sure that it’s safe to eat, a food thermometer should be used to verify that the stuffing reaches at least 165°F internally.

Do you put the stuffing in a turkey before baking?

When adding stuffing to a turkey prior to roasting, it’s important to do so shortly before cooking. Stuffing the bird the night before can increase the risk of food poisoning. Make sure to stuff both the body and neck cavities with completely defrosted turkey, using ½ to ¾ cup of stuffing per pound. Avoid tightly packing the stuffing inside, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

What can I add to stuffing for flavor?

Incorporating dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, figs and apricots, can add a delightful sweetness to any stuffing recipe, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh fruits like apples and pears can also elevate the taste experience of this hearty side dish.

Bottom Line

I hope you enjoyed this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake recipe as much as I do. This is truly a recipe that brings a sense of home to any occasion or gathering. Using fresh and flavorful ingredients such as turkey breast tenderloins, thick slices of bacon, and southern-style cornbread stuffing mix will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just craving a comforting home-cooked meal, this easy casserole recipe combines your favorite holiday flavors in one dish. The combination of moist stuffing, tender turkey, and crispy bacon will have everyone coming back for seconds.

For my fellow foodies out there, I encourage you to experiment with this recipe by adding your own personal touch. Maybe trying a different type of stuffing, or even mixing it up with chicken instead of turkey. Whatever variation you end up indulging in, remember that cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the process.

Finally, I want to emphasize the joy that comes from sharing food with others. Coming together to break bread is one of the most beautiful things we can do as human beings. My hope is that this Southern Turkey-Stuffing Bake can bring a little bit of happiness to your home and inspire you to continue exploring the art of cooking delicious meals for yourself and the ones you love.

Thanks for joining me on this cooking adventure!

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