Description: Try this Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish for a cozy twist on Homemade Stuffing Recipes. Combining savory sausage with comforting herbed cornbread and golden, crispy edges, this classic stuffing brings warmth to every holiday celebration.
This Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth from the very first bite. Melted butter, herbed cornbread, and savory sausage come together to create a deliciously hearty stuffing that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting family meal. As one of those Homemade Stuffing Recipes that truly feels special, this version balances sweetness, salt, and herbs for the perfect Classic Stuffing Recipe. Whether baked in a large casserole or served in your favorite baking dish, this flavorful Cornbread Sausage Stuffing brings homemade comfort and timeless flavor straight to your holiday table.
A Taste of Holiday Nostalgia
Every holiday season, there’s one scent that instantly brings back memories for me—the smell of fresh cornbread baking in the oven. That golden, slightly sweet aroma always filled the kitchen, mingling with the sizzling sound of sausage browning in a skillet. Together, they signaled that the Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe was on its way—a dish that meant family dinners, laughter, and the start of the celebration.
As a child, I remember standing close to the stove, watching my parents crumble the warm, baked cornbread into a large bowl, then fold in the sausage, herbs, and just enough butter to make every bite rich and comforting. It was more than just food; it was part of our tradition. The Homemade Stuffing Recipes our family prepared weren’t fancy or complicated—they were made with care and shared with love.
This Classic Stuffing Recipe was always served alongside roast turkey, but it was also the dish everyone secretly hoped would be left over the next day. The crispy, buttery corners of the Cornbread Sausage Stuffing were the first to go, leaving behind that soft, flavorful center everyone fought over. To this day, that aroma of browned sausage and herbs still makes the house feel like home. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a reminder of the people and moments that make the holidays worth celebrating.
Print
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe – Flavorful Homemade Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A cozy cornbread sausage stuffing combining savory sausage, herbed cornbread, and buttery goodness baked to golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread crumbled cornbread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook sausage until browned, 7–9 minutes, then drain, reserving 1 tablespoon fat.
4. Add onion and celery to skillet; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add apple if using and cook 1 minute more.
5. Stir in sage, thyme, and parsley for 1 minute to release aroma.
6. In a large bowl, combine toasted cornbread, sausage, vegetables, and pecans. Pour melted butter over mixture and toss gently.
7. Whisk chicken broth and beaten eggs; gradually fold into cornbread mix until moist but not soggy.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish; cover loosely with foil.
9. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more until top is golden and crisp.
10. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: cornbread, sausage, stuffing, holiday, homemade, herbed, classic, thanksgiving
Why Cornbread and Sausage Make the Perfect Pair
Cornbread and sausage are a match made in Southern comfort heaven. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the savory, slightly spicy flavor of sausage perfectly. Every bite becomes a blend of tender crumbs and hearty bites of meat, all surrounded by earthy herbs and a whisper of buttery richness. That harmony of sweet and savory is what transforms this Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe from simple to unforgettable.
Using fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary adds depth to the dish—the sage lends warmth, thyme brings balance, and rosemary gives a fragrant touch that lingers long after the first bite. These herbs define what many call a Herbed Stuffing, offering both comfort and complexity. It’s the reason this recipe stands apart from other Homemade Stuffing Recipes: each flavor enhances the next, creating a dish that feels rustic yet refined.
If you’ve ever experimented with Classic Stuffing Recipes, you’ll know how texture plays a major role. Cornbread offers the perfect base—it absorbs flavor beautifully without becoming mushy, especially when baked to achieve those irresistible golden-crisp edges. Combine that with crumbled sausage, a touch of butter, and fragrant herbs, and you have the cornerstone of a meal that tastes like home and feels like a celebration.
The beauty of this combination is its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot sausage, tweak the herbs to your liking, or even toss in extras like caramelized onions, roasted apples, or toasted pecans. Every small variation keeps the spirit of the Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe alive while allowing you to make it uniquely your own—a timeless dish that bridges past traditions with new memories at every holiday table.
Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, take a few moments to set yourself up for success. The beauty of this Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish is that it uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something deeply comforting. Having everything measured and ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
| Dry Ingredients | Wet Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store‑bought, slightly dried) | 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth |
| 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) | ½ cup melted unsalted butter |
| ½ teaspoon black pepper | 2 large eggs, lightly beaten |
| 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried) | ½ cup milk or cream (optional for richer texture) |
| 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) | 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the skillet) |
| 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley | — |
| ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) | — |
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken—mild, hot, or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 small apple, peeled and diced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Recommended Tools: large skillet, wooden spoon, large mixing bowl, whisk, 9×13-inch baking dish, aluminum foil.
When preparing Homemade Stuffing Recipes, the secret often lies in customization. If you prefer cornbread with more texture, use one that’s been baked and allowed to dry for a day or two. For added richness, you can swap part of the broth for cream. Want more flavor depth? Add roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, or even a splash of white wine to the mix before combining. With these small tweaks, your Cornbread Sausage Stuffing becomes a reflection of your own kitchen personality—both familiar and fresh.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Toast the Cornbread Base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread crumbled cornbread on a baking sheet and toast 10–15 minutes until golden and dry.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, add sausage, and brown 7–9 minutes. Drain, leaving about 1 tablespoon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook onion and celery 4–5 minutes until soft. Add apples if using, along with sage, thyme, and parsley.
- Combine Components: In a large bowl, mix cornbread, sausage, and vegetables. Pour melted butter over and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Liquid Base: Whisk broth, eggs, and milk together; add gradually to moisten without making it soggy.
- Assemble: Spread mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake: Bake covered 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
- Optional Crunch: Broil 1–2 minutes for crispy edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let sit briefly before serving to meld flavors and ease slicing.
Tips for Texture: Use day‑old cornbread for structure, adjust broth for desired moistness, and bake individual ramekins for charming portions. Creating this Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish invites the aroma of sizzling sausage and butter into your kitchen—a comforting centerpiece among Homemade Stuffing Recipes.
Balancing Herbs and Seasonings for a Herbed Stuffing Finish
What separates an ordinary stuffing from a memorable Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe is how you build layers of flavor. The base is rich—cornbread, sausage, and butter—but the herbs create harmony. Achieving that perfect Herbed Stuffing means balancing earthy warmth and brightness in every bite.
Sage lends a peppery note, thyme adds woodsy depth, and rosemary delivers that unmistakable holiday aroma. Parsley then adds freshness to keep the recipe light. Fresh herbs bring brightness, while dried ones deliver concentrated flavor—use one‑third the amount if substituting. Blooming herbs briefly in butter releases their oils and creates a fragrant foundation for the dish.
Experiment with subtle spices like nutmeg or white pepper for warmth, or a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat. Season thoughtfully to enhance the sausage’s savoriness without overpowering the sweetness of cornbread. When this Herbed Stuffing leaves the oven fragrant and golden, each bite will carry layers of classic holiday comfort.
Serving and Pairing Ideas for a Classic Stuffing Recipe
Presentation and pairing can elevate your Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish from a side to a showpiece. Its sweet‑savory balance complements roast turkey with gravy or glazed ham, and it even pairs beautifully with pork roast. For a vegetarian table, prepare a version without meat and serve alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mushrooms, or a lentil loaf.
Serve warm to preserve texture—rest it 10 minutes after baking to settle structure and flavor. Present directly from the baking dish for rustic appeal or spoon into a serving bowl, garnishing with fresh herbs for polish. Leftovers warm well covered at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes or can be crisped in a buttered skillet to restore those coveted crunchy corners. Even add a fried egg on top for a next‑day breakfast twist. However it’s enjoyed, this Homemade Stuffing Recipe offers an endless invitation to revisit comfort any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cornbread Sausage Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble fully up to baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding about five minutes for a warm, golden finish.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
The right sausage shapes a Classic Stuffing Recipe. Mild pork yields traditional flavor, spicy adds heat, and turkey or chicken keeps it lighter. Each variation brings its own charm to the Cornbread Sausage Stuffing.
How do I keep stuffing moist?
Use slightly dried cornbread and add broth gradually, just until moist but cohesive. Covering the Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish while baking traps steam, keeping the interior tender without sogginess.
Can I make it without sausage for a vegetarian version?
Yes. Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The result is a flavorful, hearty Homemade Stuffing Recipe all its own.
Bringing It All Together
This Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe is about more than food—it’s about memory, connection, and the joy of gathering. Each bite blends herbed cornbread and savory sausage with buttery comfort that fills the room with warmth. Perfect for holidays or intimate dinners, it embodies the true spirit of homemade tradition.
The charm of Homemade Stuffing Recipes like this lies in adaptability—crafted in your favorite baking dish, with herbs adjusted to your liking, or transformed into tomorrow’s breakfast. Rich, rustic, and always satisfying, this Classic Stuffing Recipe delivers that nostalgic flavor we crave when the seasons turn cold.
So gather your ingredients and let your kitchen bask in the scent of butter, sage, and golden cornbread. With every spoonful of this Cornbread Sausage Stuffing in Baking Dish, you’re not just sharing a side dish; you’re sharing a tradition worth passing down for holidays to come.
