Sage Cornbread Stuffing

The Sage Cornbread Stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s a heartfelt tradition that warms the home during chilly fall evenings. I still remember the first time I assisted my grandmother in the kitchen, her hands deftly mixing the ingredients while the aroma of sage wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked cornbread. It was during one of our Thanksgiving preparations when I realized how this dish brought everyone together, turning a simple meal into a cherished memory. As we gathered around the table, the stuffing was the centerpiece, drawing everyone in with its golden-brown crust and savory filling. Each bite was a reminder of the love and care poured into it, making every holiday gathering feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sage Cornbread Stuffing

When it comes to making the perfect Sage Cornbread Stuffing, the quality of ingredients plays a crucial role. Each component brings its own unique flavor and texture, creating a delicious balance that pairs wonderfully with your holiday meals. The key players include the cornbread, which adds sweetness and a crumbly texture, and fresh sage, infusing the dish with its aromatic essence.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This adds richness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 cups small diced celery: Provides a crisp texture and slight earthiness that balances the sweetness of the cornbread.
• 2 cups small diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base flavor that is essential in many stuffing recipes.
• 4 cups small diced toasted white bread: A must for traditional stuffing, offering structure and a chewy texture.
• 4 cups crumbled cornbread: The star of the dish, contributing sweetness and a unique crumbly texture.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage: Imparts a fragrant and earthy flavor, making each bite aromatic.
• 2 teaspoons dried poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile of the stuffing.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity to the dish.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the stuffing together, ensuring a cohesive texture.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and richness to the mixture.
• Turkey or chicken stock: Used to moisten the stuffing, keeping it flavorful and juicy.

How to Cook Sage Cornbread Stuffing

Making Sage Cornbread Stuffing is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s all about layering flavors and textures to create something truly special. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you through this comforting dish.

1. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray. This ensures that your stuffing won’t stick and will come out easily once baked. The heat will help develop that beautiful golden crust we all love.

2. Next, in a 12-inch skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the diced celery and onion. Stir them together, allowing them to cook for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to soften and the onion to turn translucent; this means they’ve released their flavors beautifully.

3. After your vegetables have cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the sautéed celery and onion mixture into a large mixing bowl, including any remaining melted butter from the skillet. This will add even more flavor to the stuffing.

4. In the same mixing bowl, add in the small diced toasted white bread, crumbled cornbread, fresh sage, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently stir these ingredients together until well combined, ensuring every piece of bread is coated with the savory mixture.

5. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Once combined, pour this mixture over the bread mixture in the large bowl. Stir to combine again, allowing the liquid to moisten the bread without making it soggy.

6. Now, drizzle in the turkey or chicken stock. You want to add just enough to wet the bread mixture without making it overly soggy. Mix gently until everything is moistened and well combined.

7. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This helps it cook uniformly, with a lovely crispy top and moist interior.

8. Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for around 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be lightly browned while the inside remains moist. Check for doneness by looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust on top.

9. Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Recipe Notes about Sage Cornbread Stuffing

Here are some tips to enhance your experience with Sage Cornbread Stuffing. These insights can help you perfect this cherished recipe and make it even more enjoyable for your family gatherings.

• Storage: After your Sage Cornbread Stuffing cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffing for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, but it’s also a great side for any holiday meal.
• Make Ahead: Consider preparing the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake fresh on the day of your meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additions like dried cranberries or nuts to give your stuffing a unique twist.

How to Enjoy Sage Cornbread Stuffing

When it comes to serving Sage Cornbread Stuffing, there are countless delightful ways to enjoy this classic dish. Here are some ideas to enhance your meals:

• Perfect for Holidays: Serve it as a side during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, where it complements turkey or glazed ham perfectly.
• Casual Dinner Parties: This stuffing can elevate any meal, making it an excellent choice for casual get-togethers or family dinners.
• Seasonal Flavors: Pair with fall vegetables like roasted carrots or brussels sprouts to create a seasonal feast.
• Leftover Magic: Use leftovers in a breakfast scramble by mixing it with eggs and vegetables, creating a hearty morning meal.
• Storage Tips: For best results, store leftover stuffing in the fridge and reheat in the oven, ensuring it stays crispy on top.
• Picnic Favorite: Cold stuffing is a delightful addition to a picnic spread, providing a delicious, savory contrast to sweeter dishes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sage Cornbread Stuffing is a dish that beautifully embodies warmth and tradition, making it the perfect accompaniment for any festive meal. With its delightful flavors and comforting textures, it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table. I encourage you to try making it for your next family gathering, as it’s sure to create lasting memories and happy bellies!

Sage Cornbread Stuffing

The ultimate comfort food, Sage Cornbread Stuffing combines savory herbs and sweet cornbread into a delightful dish. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, its rich flavors and crispy texture will leave everyone craving more. Make it tonight for a taste of tradition!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups small diced celery
• 2 cups small diced yellow onion
• 4 cups small diced toasted white bread about 1/2 inch squares
• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
• 2 teaspoons dried poultry seasoning
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Turkey or chicken stock

Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• 12-inch skillet
• 9×13 Baking Pan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a 12-inch skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the diced celery and onion. Stir them together, allowing them to cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the sautéed celery and onion mixture into a large mixing bowl, including any remaining melted butter from the skillet.
4. In the same mixing bowl, add in the small diced toasted white bread, crumbled cornbread, fresh sage, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently stir these ingredients together until well combined.
5. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture in the large bowl and stir to combine.
6. Drizzle in the turkey or chicken stock, adding just enough to wet the bread mixture without making it soggy.
7. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for around 40 to 50 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
9. Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Storage: After your Sage Cornbread Stuffing cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffing for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken.
• Make Ahead: Consider preparing the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake fresh on the day of your meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additions like dried cranberries or nuts.

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Meet Zara Knight

I founded Zest Home Recipes because I believe home cooking should never be boring. My mission is to wake up your palate with recipes that are vibrant, easy, and full of life. I personally cook, photograph, and approve every dish on this site to ensure it brings a spark of joy and a burst of flavor to your kitchen table.