Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage – A Savory Thanksgiving Side Recipe

Time and Servings:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cornbread, cubed (slightly stale or toasted)
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan for added flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped celery and diced onion.
   • Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble the Stuffing:

3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cornbread, cooked sausage, sautéed celery and onion, and 1 tsp of dried sage.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Broth:
   • Gradually pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the cornbread mixture, tossing gently to moisten without making it too soggy.

Bake the Stuffing:

5. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the dish.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. For a crispy top, uncover the stuffing for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serve:

7. Serve Hot:
   • Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve as a delicious and savory side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.

Tips for Success:

• Use slightly stale or toasted cornbread to help it absorb the broth better.
• Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an extra depth of flavor.
• For a more indulgent stuffing, add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts.

Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:

• Pair this savory stuffing with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, a fruity Beaujolais Nouveau, or a crisp sparkling cider to complement the flavors.