This cornbread dressing recipe is a delightful blend of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for holidays or any special meal, it combines the comforting flavors of cornbread with a medley of textures and tastes to create a memorable side dish.
If you're heading to the supermarket, take note that sage pork sausages and fresh herbs like sage and thyme might not be staples in every household. Ensure you have these on your list. Additionally, fresh flat-leaf parsley and brown mushrooms may require a quick trip to the produce section.
Ingredients For Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Cornbread: Pre-baked and chopped, this forms the base of the dressing.
Day-old bread: Adds texture and helps absorb flavors.
Oil: Used for cooking the sausages and vegetables.
Sage pork sausages: Adds a savory flavor with a hint of herbaceousness.
Brown mushrooms: Provides earthiness and umami.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild flavor.
Green bell pepper: Adds color and a slight sweetness.
Flat-leaf parsley: Fresh and herbal, it brightens the dish.
Fresh sage: Provides a warm, slightly peppery flavor.
Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle lemony and minty aroma.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds moisture and a rich, savory base.
Butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
One reader, Jerrold Adair says:
This cornbread dressing recipe is fantastic! The blend of sage pork sausage and fresh herbs creates a rich, savory flavor. The texture is perfect, and it’s incredibly comforting. A must-try for any holiday meal!
Essential Techniques for Making Cornbread Dressing
How to chop cornbread: Cut the pre-baked cornbread into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife. How to cook sausages: Heat oil in a pan, cook the sausages for 10 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking them up with a fork while cooking. How to sauté vegetables: Add oil to the pan, then add mushrooms, onions, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened. How to add garlic: Add garlic to the sautéed vegetables and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. How to mix ingredients: Combine the sautéed mixture with cornbread, add stock and melted butter, and mix well with a wooden spoon until all the liquid is absorbed. How to bake dressing: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until browned on top and hot in the middle.
How To Make Cornbread Dressing
Make your turkeys more flavorful with this easy-to-make cornbread dressing! Whip this tasty recipe up in just under 2 hours.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1batchcornbread
- 4slicesday-old breadcut into 1-inch cubes
- 2tbspoil
- ½lbsage pork sausagescasings removed and crumbled
- 7ozbrown mushroomssliced
- 1large onionchopped
- 4celery stalkschopped
- 1green bell peppercapsicum, seeded and chopped
- ½cupflat-leaf parsleychopped
- 1½tbspfresh sagechopped
- 1tbspfresh thymechopped
- ¾tspsaltor more to taste
- ½tspfresh cracked black pepper
- 1½garlicminced
- 3½cupschicken stock
- ½cupbuttermelted
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Chop the pre-baked cornbread into 1-inch pieces.
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Place into a large mixing bowl, then set aside.
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Heat half of the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
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Cook the sausages over for 10 minutes, until browned and cooked through, breaking up the sausage with a fork while cooking.
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Add the sausages to the cornbread.
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In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then add in the mushrooms, onions, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt and pepper.
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Sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the cornbread.
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Add the stock and melted butter, mixing well with a wooden spoon until all the liquid has been absorbed.
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Pour the dressing into a 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
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Cover with foil.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until browned on top and hot in the middle.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 275.81kcal
- Fat: 19.76g
- Saturated Fat: 8.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.78g
- Carbohydrates: 17.19g
- Fiber: 2.02g
- Sugar: 3.78g
- Protein: 8.72g
- Cholesterol: 45.40mg
- Sodium: 487.39mg
- Calcium: 85.40mg
- Potassium: 410.69mg
- Iron: 1.80mg
- Vitamin A: 106.99µg
- Vitamin C: 17.05mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cornbread Dressing
When sautéing the vegetables, make sure to cook them until they are just softened and not fully cooked through. This ensures they retain some texture and don't become mushy when baked in the dressing.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cornbread Dressing
Pre-bake the cornbread: Bake the cornbread a day ahead to save time on the day of preparation.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Purchase pre-chopped onions, celery, and bell pepper to cut down on prep time.
Cook sausage in advance: Cook the sage pork sausages the night before and store them in the fridge.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Use store-bought stock: Opt for pre-made chicken stock to avoid the hassle of making it from scratch.
Substitute Ingredients For Cornbread Dressing Recipe
cornbread - Substitute with gluten-free cornbread: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
day-old bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: Ensures the recipe is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
oil - Substitute with butter: Adds a richer flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dressing.
sage pork sausages - Substitute with turkey sausages: A leaner option that reduces the fat content while still providing a similar flavor profile.
brown mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Offers a meatier texture and robust flavor, making the dish heartier.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Provides a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can be more delicate in the dressing.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel stalks: Adds a slight anise flavor, which can complement the herbs and other ingredients.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Adds a sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
flat-leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dressing.
fresh sage - Substitute with dried sage: Use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.
fresh cracked black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Offers a milder peppery flavor and a different color profile.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Convenient and provides a similar flavor, though slightly less intense.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Makes the dish suitable for vegetarians while still adding depth of flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: A dairy-free option that can be used for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
Presenting Your Cornbread Dressing Beautifully
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the cornbread dressing into elegant, bite-sized squares. This allows for a refined presentation and ensures each piece has a balanced mix of ingredients.
Use decoration: Garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. This adds a touch of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Plate on a stylish dish: Use a sleek, white plate to make the colors of the cornbread dressing pop. The contrast will highlight the rustic yet sophisticated nature of the dish.
Add a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle a reduction of chicken stock and butter around the plate. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor profile.
Create height: Stack the cornbread dressing pieces slightly off-center to create visual interest and dimension on the plate.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle some finely chopped, toasted bread crumbs over the top for an added crunch and a contrasting texture.
Highlight the main ingredients: Place a few slices of the browned sage pork sausages on top of the cornbread dressing to showcase the key components of the dish.
Use microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on the side of the plate. This not only adds a fresh element but also elevates the overall presentation.
Balance the colors: Ensure that the green bell pepper and celery pieces are visible in each portion to add vibrant green hues to the dish.
Serve warm: Make sure the cornbread dressing is served at the perfect temperature. A warm dish enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.
Essential Tools for Making Cornbread Dressing
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the cornbread dressing at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Large mixing bowl: To hold and mix the chopped cornbread, sausage, and vegetable mixture.
Large pan: For cooking the sausages and sautéing the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: To mix the cornbread, sausage, and vegetable mixture thoroughly.
Fork: To break up the sausage while cooking.
9 x 12-inch baking dish: To bake the cornbread dressing in the oven.
Foil: To cover the baking dish while baking to ensure the dressing stays moist.
Knife: For chopping the cornbread, vegetables, and herbs.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the cornbread, vegetables, and herbs.
Measuring cups: To measure the chicken stock and butter accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the oil, salt, pepper, and herbs accurately.
Storing and Freezing Cornbread Dressing Properly
Allow the cornbread dressing to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dressing soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dressing to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cornbread dressing for up to 2 months. Here's how:
- Wrap the baking dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Alternatively, you can portion the dressing into individual servings and wrap each one separately before placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags. This makes it easy to reheat smaller portions as needed.
- Label the container or wrapping with the date so you can keep track of when it was frozen.
To reheat the frozen cornbread dressing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the wrapping and cover the dish with fresh foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. If the dressing seems dry, you can add a little chicken broth or water before reheating to help moisten it.
If reheating individual portions, you can microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Again, add a splash of liquid if needed to prevent dryness.
Avoid freezing cornbread dressing that contains eggs or dairy, as these ingredients can change texture and separate upon thawing, affecting the overall quality of the dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Cornbread Dressing
To reheat leftover cornbread dressing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dressing to an oven-safe dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the dressing is heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
Another option is to reheat the cornbread dressing in a microwave. Place a portion of the dressing in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the dressing is heated through. Stir the dressing halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you find that your leftover cornbread dressing has dried out a bit, you can add a splash of chicken broth or turkey stock before reheating. This will help to moisten the dressing and restore its original texture.
For a quick and easy way to reheat individual portions of cornbread dressing, use a toaster oven. Place a slice of the dressing on a toaster oven tray and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on top.
If you have a lot of leftover cornbread dressing, consider freezing it for later use. Portion the dressing into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight and then follow one of the above reheating methods.
Interesting Fact About Cornbread Dressing
A random fact about this cornbread dressing recipe is that it combines the flavors of cornbread, sage pork sausages, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme to create a savory and aromatic dish. This recipe is often served as a traditional side dish during Thanksgiving in the Southern United States.
Is Making Cornbread Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?
This cornbread dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing day-old bread and a batch of cornbread you might already have, it maximizes ingredients. The use of sage pork sausages, mushrooms, onions, celery, and green bell pepper adds flavor without breaking the bank. Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme elevate the dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Cornbread Dressing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cornbread dressing recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of cornbread and day-old bread adds a significant amount of carbohydrates and calories to the dish.
- Pork sausages are high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- The recipe calls for a substantial amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- The use of chicken stock also adds to the sodium content of the dish.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as mushrooms, onions, celery, bell pepper, and fresh herbs, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken sausage, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or vegetable broth.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe to boost the nutrient content and add more fiber.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the overall sodium levels in the dish.
- Experiment with whole grain cornbread or bread to increase the fiber content and provide a more complex carbohydrate source.
- Consider adding more aromatic herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
Editor's Opinion on This Cornbread Dressing Recipe
This cornbread dressing recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a comforting side dish. The combination of sage pork sausages and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme adds depth and aroma. The sautéed vegetables and mushrooms bring a savory richness, while the chicken stock and butter ensure a moist and cohesive dish. Baking it to a golden brown creates a satisfying crust. Overall, it's a well-balanced recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
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Why trust this Cornbread Dressing Recipe:
This cornbread dressing recipe is a must-try for any holiday feast. The combination of sage pork sausages, mushrooms, and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme creates a rich, savory flavor that will impress your guests. The use of chicken stock and butter ensures a moist and delicious texture. Trust this recipe for its balance of traditional ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
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