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Ready to elevate your holiday table or simply make a weeknight dinner extraordinary? Look no further than this Cornbread Stuffing recipe. Combining the sweet crumble of cornbread with the earthy flavors of traditional stuffing ingredients like sage, thyme, and rosemary, I've created a side dish that's a showstopper in its own right. The cornbread adds an unexpected sweetness that balances out the savory herbs and vegetables, making every bite a delightful experience.
But let me let you in on a secret: this dish is surprisingly easy to make! I start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter until they're fragrant and soft, creating a flavorful base. Then I mix them into crumbled cornbread, seasoning it all with a blend of dried herbs. A bit of chicken or vegetable broth adds moisture, ensuring the stuffing is perfectly tender yet crisp on top after baking. Trust me, whether it's Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday night, this Cornbread Stuffing is about to become your new go-to side dish.
Substitutions for Cornbread Stuffing
Hey there! So, you've decided to make my Cornbread Stuffing but realized you're missing an ingredient or two, or maybe you just want to tweak the recipe a bit. No worries—I've got you covered. Here are some of my go-to substitutions that work really well with this dish.
Cornbread Mix: If you don't have a box of cornbread mix, you can make your own cornbread from scratch. A combination of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, a bit of sugar, and some milk and eggs will do the trick. I've even used a gluten-free mix with great results!
Unsalted Butter: Don't have unsalted butter? Salted butter is perfectly fine; just be cautious when you add any extra salt.
Onion and Celery: If you're not a fan of onions or celery, feel free to use bell peppers or leeks as a substitute. They offer a different, yet equally delicious flavor profile.
Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs are a fantastic replacement if you've run out of dried ones. Remember, you'll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Broth: If you're out of chicken or vegetable broth, you can easily use water with a bouillon cube. If you're looking to make the recipe vegan, go for vegetable bouillon.
Garlic: No fresh garlic? Garlic powder can be a convenient alternative. Around ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for one garlic clove.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, I've successfully used plant-based butter or even olive oil as a butter substitute.
Nuts or Fruits: Feel like experimenting? A handful of chopped pecans or dried cranberries can add an exciting twist to the texture and flavor.
Seasoning: Lastly, don't be afraid to play with the spices. If you don't have sage or rosemary, try a bit of oregano or marjoram. It'll bring its own unique touch to the dish.
Jump to RecipeTips and Tricks for Perfect Cornbread Stuffing
Making stuffing is more art than science sometimes, but a few tips and tricks can really elevate your dish. Based on my experience, here's what I suggest:
1. Dry the Cornbread
For the best texture, make sure your cornbread is dry before using it in the stuffing. If it's freshly made, consider toasting it lightly in the oven to remove some moisture. Drier cornbread will absorb the flavors better and give you that perfect crumbly yet moist stuffing texture.
2. Use Quality Broth
Whether you're using chicken or vegetable broth, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium version. The better the broth, the more flavorful your stuffing will be. You can also make your own broth if you're up for it!
3. Sauté the Veggies
Don't rush the sautéing process for the vegetables. Letting the onions, celery, and garlic cook until they're soft and fragrant will add a depth of flavor to your stuffing.
4. Fresh Herbs
If you're using fresh herbs, chop them finely to release the oils and flavors more effectively. This will distribute the herbaceous notes more evenly through your stuffing.
5. Even Spreading
When you transfer your mixture to the baking dish, spread it out evenly. This ensures uniform cooking, so every bite is perfect.
6. Keep an Eye on Moisture
Stuffing should be moist, but not soggy. Be careful when adding the broth; add it gradually so you can control the moisture level. If you prefer a drier stuffing, you might not need to use the full cup of broth.
7. Test for Doneness
The stuffing is ready when it has a golden-brown crust and is hot all the way through. Insert a knife or skewer into the center to make sure it's not soggy inside.
8. Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let the stuffing rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.
9. Customization is Key
Remember, you can always add or subtract ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. Stuffing is incredibly forgiving and adaptable.
10. Leftovers are Gold
Stuffing often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Use leftovers as a base for casseroles, or mix into a frittata for a quick and delicious meal.
Recipe
Cornbread Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 box cornbread mix cooked and cooled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 stalks of celery diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, sage, and rosemary into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the crumbled cornbread in the mixing bowl. Toss gently with a wooden spoon or spatula to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Slowly pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the cornbread mixture, stirring as you go. The mixture should be moistened but not overly saturated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate the flavors throughout the stuffing.
- Transfer the cornbread stuffing to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the cornbread stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Cornbread Stuffing - FAQ
Absolutely! Making cornbread from scratch can add even more homemade flavor to your stuffing. Just ensure that the cornbread is cooled and slightly dried out before incorporating it into the stuffing.
A 9x13-inch baking dish is generally recommended for this recipe to allow the stuffing to cook evenly. However, the size can vary based on your preference for a thicker or thinner layer of stuffing.
Yes, you can prepare the cornbread and vegetable mixture a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and bake just before you're ready to serve.
If the stuffing is too dry, you can pour a bit more chicken or vegetable broth over it and bake for an additional few minutes. Just be careful not to over-saturate it.
If your stuffing is too wet, you can return it to the oven to bake for a few more minutes, which will help some of the excess moisture evaporate.
rob says
great twist on traditional stuffing 🙂
Michael Whiting says
ty
Ashley Snyder says
I love this recipe for thanksgiving. it really livens up stuffing.