Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon & Onions

Welcome to a cozy culinary adventure with our Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon & Onions! This delectable stuffing recipe is perfect for any gathering, be it a holiday feast or a family dinner. With the savory flavors of crispy bacon mingled with sweet onions and the rich texture of cornbread, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple on your dining table.

What sets this stuffing apart is its unique combination of ingredients and ease of preparation. Whether you serve it as a side to your holiday turkey or as a comforting dish alongside your favorite proteins, readers will love the deliciousness of this savory delight. Let’s dive into the details that make this recipe special and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unforgettable Flavor: The perfect balance of smoky bacon and sweet sautéed onions makes every bite exceptional.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 90 minutes, making it a time-saver.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting taste and delightful texture.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or as a standalone meal; it fits any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ingredients the day before for an even easier cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread (about one batch of homemade cornbread)
• 1 cup bacon, chopped
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp sage, dried
• 1 tsp thyme, dried
• Salt and pepper to taste

Note: You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, and feel free to use homemade or store-bought cornbread.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• This recipe takes about 25% less time than traditional stuffing recipes, allowing you to enjoy it quicker!

Instructions Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread

If you’re using homemade cornbread, bake it according to your favorite recipe and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a couple of tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onions and celery to the bacon grease. Sauté until softened and fragrant, around 5-6 minutes. This will enhance the flavors beautifully!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and cooked bacon. Add the beaten eggs, sage, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until well combined.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g

Serving Suggestions

This Savory Cornbread Stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as turkey or chicken. Consider adding a side of sweet cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

For a cozy, comforting evening, enjoy this stuffing with a glass of wine or hot apple cider. Feel free to get creative by adding nuts or dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it moist and warm it in the oven until heated through. If you plan to make it ahead, consider prepping the ingredients and assembling it a day in advance; just add the liquid and bake before serving.

Expert Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the bacon fat when sautéing the vegetables.
• Try adding other herbs like rosemary or parsley for added depth in flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornbread or a chickpea flour-based cornbread.
• Serve it up with a side of homemade gravy for a truly indulgent experience.
• Pair this dish with seasonal vegetables and your favorite beverage for a delightful meal.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought cornbread is a great time-saving option! Just make sure to crumble it into pieces before using it.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftover stuffing for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven when ready to enjoy.

What can I substitute for bacon?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh. Turkey bacon is also a lighter alternative.

Can I add other ingredients to this stuffing?

Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a unique twist.

Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to add some extra broth for moisture when baking.

Conclusion

This Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon & Onions is not just a side dish; it’s an integral part of making memorable meals. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your experiences and feedback in the comments below. Subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Onions for the Holidays

---

• Author: usabigailrecipes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elevate your holiday feast with our Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Onions Delightful flavors blend perfectly in this festive side dish

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups crumbled cornbread

1 cup bacon, chopped

1 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup celery, diced

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tsp sage, dried

1 tsp thyme, dried

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Prepare the Cornbread: If using homemade cornbread, bake it according to your recipe and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before crumbling.

Cook the Bacon: Add chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove bacon, leaving some grease.

Sauté the Vegetables: Use the bacon grease to sauté diced onions and celery until softened (5-6 minutes).

Combine Ingredients: Mix crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, cooked bacon, beaten eggs, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Pour in chicken broth and stir.

Bake the Stuffing: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 10 grams