The Ultimate Homemade Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage: A Hearty Holiday Classic

Prepare to elevate your holiday feast with this phenomenal **cornbread stuffing** recipe. Combining the best qualities of rich, savory cornbread and aromatic, herbaceous stuffing, this dish is far more than just a side; it’s a star. Imagine tender, moist cornbread, infused with savory breakfast sausage and a symphony of classic seasonings, all baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering a unique texture and depth of flavor that traditional bread stuffings often miss. This recipe promises a comforting, hearty addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

As the holiday season approaches, there’s a certain magic in the air, often accompanied by the irresistible aromas wafting from the kitchen. Among my most cherished traditions is indulging in the array of festive foods. While many dishes vie for attention, stuffing holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, a common pitfall with many stuffing recipes is their tendency to be bland, dry, or simply uninspiring. That’s precisely why this homemade cornbread stuffing has become my absolute favorite and a consistent crowd-pleaser. Unlike typical recipes that rely on plain bread, this version champions the use of rich, flavorful cornbread as its foundation, transforming a humble side into an unforgettable culinary experience.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the cornbread itself—hearty, slightly crumbly, and wonderfully rich. It’s lovingly mixed into a deeply flavorful, aromatic, and herbaceous dressing that’s generously packed with savory breakfast sausage and pungent garlic. This combination creates a perfect harmony, marrying the rustic charm of freshly baked cornbread with the complex, comforting flavors of classic holiday stuffing. It’s a culinary masterpiece that truly embodies the spirit of festive gatherings. If you’re searching for a dish that will steal the show and leave a lasting impression, this is it. You absolutely have to make this cornbread stuffing; it’s a game-changer for any holiday meal.

Why This is the Ultimate Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

This meaty, moist, and incredibly flavorful cornbread stuffing isn’t just a holiday staple in my kitchen; its versatility makes it a fantastic dish to enjoy all year round. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe truly stand out and why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Effortlessly Delicious. Don’t let the rich flavors and impressive presentation fool you—this recipe is surprisingly simple to master. The instructions are incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts who want to serve something spectacular without the added stress. It’s a testament to how easy it can be to create a dish that tastes like it took hours of painstaking work.
• The Epitome of Holiday Comfort. While this cornbread dressing is enjoyable any time, it truly shines as the perfect side dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Stuffing is a quintessential element of holiday feasts, and this recipe offers a heartwarming and savory twist on the traditional version. The robust texture and distinct flavor of cornbread elevate the classic stuffing, making it feel both familiar and excitingly new. It brings a comforting, home-cooked charm that is simply irresistible during festive seasons.
• A Brilliant Use for Stale Cornbread. This recipe includes detailed instructions for making homemade cornbread, ensuring you get the perfect base for your stuffing. However, if you happen to have leftover or slightly stale cornbread, this recipe is your golden ticket! Stale cornbread absorbs the rich flavors and broth even better, resulting in a stuffing with an ideal texture—not too soggy, not too dry. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose leftovers and achieve an even more superior dressing, making it a win-win for both your palate and your pantry.
• Unrivaled Flavor and Texture Profile. Beyond its ease and holiday appeal, the true magic of this cornbread stuffing lies in its incredible flavor and texture. The tender, slightly coarse crumb of the cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the juicy, savory breakfast sausage. This is all harmonized by the aromatic blend of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, which sing with the sweet earthiness of sautéed onions and celery, and the pungent kick of garlic. Each spoonful offers a complex layering of tastes and textures – a balance of moist interior and slightly crisp edges, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience that is robust, comforting, and utterly delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Cornbread Stuffing

To craft this moist, rich, and intensely flavorful holiday side dish, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients for both the cornbread base and the savory stuffing mixture. Below is a comprehensive list, but remember to refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of the page for precise measurements and quantities, ensuring your stuffing turns out perfectly every time.

For the Homemade Cornbread:

• Cornmeal: The foundational ingredient that gives cornbread its distinctive texture and slightly gritty, sweet-savory flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balances the texture of the cornmeal.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the cornbread light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the cornmeal and balances the savory stuffing.
• Eggs: Use large eggs, as they act as a binder and contribute to the cornbread’s rich texture and moisture.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tender crumb and a subtle tang that enriches the cornbread’s flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter ensures a moist, flavorful cornbread with a beautiful golden hue.

For the Savory Stuffing:

• Breakfast sausage: The star protein, adding a rich, savory, and slightly spicy element that defines this stuffing.
• Onion: A yellow onion offers a classic sweet and pungent base, though red or white varieties will also work beautifully.
• Celery: Provides essential crunch, freshness, and a subtle earthy note that is characteristic of traditional stuffing.
• Garlic: Minced garlic delivers an aromatic punch, deepening the savory profile of the dish.
• Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and helping to develop their flavors.
• Dried thyme: A classic poultry seasoning, bringing an earthy, minty, and slightly lemon-like flavor.
• Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney, and woody aroma that pairs wonderfully with sausage and holiday meals.
• Dried sage: Indispensable for stuffing, offering a distinctively earthy, slightly peppery, and pine-like flavor that screams “holiday.”
• Chicken broth: The liquid foundation that moistens the cornbread, infuses flavor, and binds all the ingredients together.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the stuffing to perfection.
• Pepper: Always use freshly cracked black pepper for its vibrant aroma and piquant flavor, which makes a noticeable difference.

Crafting Your Perfect Cornbread Stuffing: Step-by-Step

This show-stopping holiday side dish, while tasting incredibly complex and satisfying, is surprisingly simple to create. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly moist, flavorful, and irresistible cornbread stuffing.

To Make the Cornbread Base:

• Prep Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. This crucial step ensures your cornbread won’t stick and will release easily after baking.
• Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until they are thoroughly combined. This even distribution of leavening and seasoning is key to a consistent cornbread.
• Whisk Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, add the melted butter, large eggs, and buttermilk. Whisk these wet ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and smooth. Using room-temperature eggs and buttermilk often leads to a more uniform batter and a lighter crumb.
• Gently Combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cornbread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Bake to Golden Perfection. Carefully pour the cornbread batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a cake tester (like a toothpick) inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates it’s fully cooked through.
• Cool and Dry. Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This is vital for proper handling. Once cooled, cut the cornbread into uniform cubes. For the best stuffing texture, these cubes need to dry out. You can let them air-dry at room temperature for a few days, or if you’re short on time, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 50-60 minutes until slightly crunchy. This drying process prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy.

To Assemble the Flavorful Stuffing:

• Prepare for Baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish or another 13×9-inch pan. Set this aside; it will be ready for the assembled stuffing.
• Cook the Sausage. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart into crumbles as it cooks. Continue until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain any excess fat, leaving behind just a little for flavor if desired, but remove most to prevent greasiness.
• Sauté the Aromatics. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until the fragrant aroma of garlic fills your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

• Infuse with Herbs. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and sage with the sautéed vegetable mixture. The residual heat will help release their aromatic oils, further enhancing the flavor.
• Combine and Moisten. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the dried cornbread cubes, the cooked sausage, the aromatic veggie mixture, and most of the chicken broth. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. The amount of broth needed can vary depending on how dry your cornbread is; start with about 3 cups and add more as necessary, ensuring the cornbread is thoroughly moistened but not soggy. The goal is a uniform, moist mixture that holds together.

• Bake Until Golden. Pour the combined stuffing mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the stuffing is heated through and bubbling. The edges should be slightly crisp, offering a delightful contrast to the moist interior.
• Serve Immediately. Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and serve it hot. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, where its aromas and textures are at their peak. It makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal or a hearty side for a weeknight dinner.

Pro Tips, Creative Variations, and Expert Advice

Achieving the perfect cornbread stuffing is all about understanding a few key techniques and knowing how to personalize it. Here are some of my favorite tips, clever tricks, and delicious variations to ensure your holiday cornbread stuffing is absolutely stellar every time.

• The Secret to Tender Cornbread: Room Temperature Eggs. This might seem like a small detail, but using room-temperature eggs is a game-changer when baking your cornbread. Cold eggs don’t emulsify as effectively with other ingredients, which can lead to a dense, dry, or inconsistently textured batter. By allowing your eggs to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes out of the fridge, or a quick warm-up in a bowl of warm water), they mix more uniformly, resulting in a lighter, more tender cornbread base for your stuffing.
• Add a Spicy Kick. For those who appreciate a bit of heat, incorporating spice into your cornbread stuffing can be a delightful twist. To make the cornbread itself spicy, finely chop some fresh or pickled jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and fold them into the batter. Alternatively, for a more integrated heat, use spicy breakfast sausage instead of mild. You could also sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with your other herbs for an extra layer of warmth that beautifully complements the savory flavors.
• Embrace Stale Cornbread: Plan Ahead! For the absolute best texture, make your cornbread 2-3 days before you plan to assemble the stuffing. Slightly stale cornbread is ideal because it’s drier and firmer, which allows it to absorb the chicken broth and other flavors without becoming mushy. If you’re short on time, the oven-drying method (250°F for 50-60 minutes) is an excellent alternative, ensuring your cornbread cubes are perfectly prepped to soak up all that delicious moisture.
• Herb Customization for Personal Taste. While thyme, rosemary, and sage are classic choices for holiday stuffing, feel free to experiment. You can use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor (just use about three times the amount of dried herbs). Consider adding a touch of dried marjoram or a pinch of poultry seasoning for an even deeper, more complex herbaceous profile.
• Boost the Veggie Factor. Want to add more vegetables? Sauté finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or even sliced mushrooms along with the onions and celery. Apples, particularly Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, can also add a wonderful tart-sweet contrast and extra moisture to the stuffing. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before mixing them in.
• Go Vegetarian (or Vegan). To adapt this recipe for vegetarian guests, simply omit the breakfast sausage. Instead, you can sauté extra mushrooms, plant-based sausage crumbles, or a mix of hearty vegetables like butternut squash or chestnuts to maintain that umami richness. For a vegan version, use a plant-based cornbread recipe (substituting flax eggs, plant milk, and vegan butter), vegetable broth, and vegan sausage.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Homemade Cornbread Dressing

This savory and rich cornbread dressing is designed to be the ultimate companion to a grand holiday feast, shining brightly on a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner plate alongside a perfectly roasted turkey or a glazed ham. It’s robust enough to hold its own and complement any festive main course. However, its hearty nature also makes it substantial enough to serve as a standalone entrée at any other time of the year. If you opt for it as a main dish, I highly recommend pairing it with a lighter, fresher side dish to balance its richness. The vibrant flavors and textures of a crisp salad or another fresh vegetable side create a beautiful contrast. Here are a few of my favorite refreshing accompaniments:

• Simple Tossed Salad: A light, tangy vinaigrette and crisp greens offer a wonderful counterpoint to the stuffing’s richness.
• Roasted Asparagus: Earthy and slightly bitter, roasted asparagus provides a delightful texture and freshness.
• Chicken Caesar Salad: If serving the stuffing as a main, a classic Caesar adds protein and a creamy, zesty flavor.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a savory, slightly bitter crunch.
• Tomato Mozzarella Salad: Fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella with basil provide a bright, acidic, and herbaceous touch.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers

One of the best parts of a holiday meal is the promise of delicious leftovers, and this meaty cornbread dressing is no exception. To ensure your leftover stuffing remains fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, transfer any remaining stuffing to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoyable post-holiday meals.

When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of convenient options. For smaller portions, the microwave works wonderfully: simply reheat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through. For larger quantities or to restore some of that crispy texture, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If you like a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Can You Freeze This Cornbread Stuffing Recipe for Later?

Absolutely! This cornbread stuffing freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for future holiday gatherings or whenever a craving strikes. To freeze, ensure the stuffing is completely cooled after baking. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising its quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, you have a couple of reheating choices. You can thaw the stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the microwave using 30-second increments until warm. Alternatively, for a more oven-fresh result straight from frozen, place the frozen stuffing (covered) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. For a slightly crispier top, remove the cover for the last 5-10 minutes. Freezing is a brilliant way to enjoy this comforting dish long after the holiday season has passed!

Explore More Festive Side Dishes

While a succulent roast turkey or a glorious baked ham often steals the spotlight, for many, the true joy of Christmas and Thanksgiving lies in the endless array of incredible side dishes. They’re what make the holiday meal truly special and memorable. This winter, in addition to your amazing cornbread stuffing, consider adding a few more of my favorite holiday sides to your festive spread. These recipes are sure to bring even more warmth and flavor to your table:

• Green Bean Casserole: A timeless classic, creamy and comforting.
• Easy Homemade Gravy: The essential finishing touch for any holiday plate.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor.
• Honey Butter Dinner Rolls: Soft, sweet, and irresistible.
• Bacon Macaroni and Cheese: A decadent, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A delightful blend of sweet and savory with a crunchy topping.

5 from 1 vote

Cornbread Stuffing

By Erin Sellin

Cornbread stuffing is the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish. Hearty, savory, and meaty, it’s everything you love about cornbread and everything you love about dressing, combined in one.

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

• ▢ 3 cups cornmeal
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons sugar
• ▢ 4 whole large eggs
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• ▢ 1/2 cup butter , melted

For the Stuffing:

• ▢ 1 pound breakfast sausage
• ▢ 1 onion , finely chopped
• ▢ 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic , minced
• ▢ 1/2 cup butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ▢ 4 cups chicken broth
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

To Make the Cornbread:

• Preheat your oven to 375º F, then grease or spray a 13×9-inch pan. Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• Add the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter to a mixing bowl, and whisk until smooth.
• Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
• Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
• Slice the cornbread into cubes and let it dry out for a couple of days. Or if making the day of, arrange the cubes a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes at 250º F to dry out the bread and get it a little bit crunchy.

To Make the Stuffing

• Preheat oven to 350º F, then grease a large casserole dish or a 13×9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it apart until it’s cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain away excess grease.
• Melt the butter in the skillet over medium high heat. Add the celery and onions, and sauté for 7-8 minutes, until the veggies are soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until you can start to smell it.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the herbs until well combined.
• In a very large bowl toss together the cornbread cubes, onion mixture, sausage, and broth. Start with about 3 cups of the broth and mix. Add more as necessary to coat and start to slightly soften the bread. You will need close to 4 cups if you let your bread sit out for a few days. If you dried it in the oven the day off, you will need closer to 3 1/2 cups.
• Once everything is moist and combined, spread into the prepared dish and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove and serve immediately.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, or in a 350F oven for about 15 minutes.
• For best results, make the corbread 2-3 days ahead of time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 g | Calories: 472 kcal | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 29 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 139 mg | Sodium: 1238 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Course: Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 472

Keyword: best cornbread dressing recipe, cornbread stuffing, cornbread stuffing recipe, homemade cornbread dressing

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