When it comes to holiday meals, certain side dishes are absolutely non-negotiable. For many families across the United States, a delicious, moist stuffing is at the top of that list. While traditional recipes are wonderful, there is always room for an upgrade that takes a classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. For this reason, we are introducing what might just become your new family favorite: the ultimate Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe. This dish perfectly marries the slight sweetness of cornbread with the smoky, savory crunch of bacon and aromatic vegetables. Consequently, it creates a side dish so good, you might forget about the main course.
This isn’t just another stuffing recipe; rather, it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that complement any festive table. Whether you are planning a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or simply a special Sunday meal, Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe is guaranteed to impress. Furthermore, it is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. So, let’s dive into how you can create this show-stopping side dish in your own kitchen.
Why This Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe is a Holiday Must-Have
You might be wondering what makes this particular cornbread stuffing so special. The secret, undoubtedly, lies in the bacon. It contributes a depth of flavor and a delightful texture that you simply cannot achieve with other ingredients. Firstly, the bacon itself provides salty, smoky notes that cut through the richness of the other components. Secondly, the rendered bacon fat is liquid gold, used to sauté the onions and celery, infusing them with an incredible savory flavor from the very start. As a result, every single bite is packed with a complex and satisfying taste.
In addition to the amazing flavor, the texture of this stuffing is truly exceptional. The crumbled cornbread soaks up the chicken broth and seasonings, becoming incredibly moist and tender on the inside. However, when baked, the top develops a beautiful golden-brown crust with delightfully crispy edges. This combination of a soft interior and a crunchy topping is what makes a perfect stuffing. This specific Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe consistently delivers that ideal texture. It’s a versatile dish that stands proudly next to a beautifully glazed turkey or any holiday roast.
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Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe: The 12 Ultimate Steps for a Perfect Side Dish
A rich, savory holiday stuffing made with crumbled cornbread, crispy bacon, and fragrant herbs for a comforting and flavorful side dish.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cornbread (Optional):
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
For the Stuffing:
8–10 cups crumbled day-old cornbread (from one 8x8 inch pan)
1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
1. If making cornbread from scratch, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed.
3. Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan and bake 20–25 minutes. Cool completely, crumble, and let dry overnight.
4. Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 3–4 tablespoons bacon grease in the skillet.
5. Add diced onion and celery to skillet. Sauté 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked bacon, and sautéed vegetables.
7. Add parsley, sage, thyme, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
8. Whisk eggs with 3 cups chicken broth. Pour over stuffing mixture and fold until evenly moistened. Add up to 1 more cup broth if needed.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
10. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
11. Let stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve warm alongside your favorite holiday mains.
Notes
Make the cornbread and sautéed vegetables a day or two ahead to save time during busy holidays.
Add-ins like cranberries, apples, toasted nuts, mushrooms, or sausage make delicious variations.
For vegetarian version, skip bacon and use butter or olive oil; swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
To store leftovers, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven with a splash of broth for best texture.
Freezes well baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients For Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
To create the most flavorful stuffing, starting with high-quality ingredients is key. While you can certainly use a store-bought cornbread mix to save time, making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and texture. Here is what you will need.
For the Cornbread (Optional, but Recommended)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
For the Stuffing Assembly
- 8-10 cups crumbled day-old cornbread (from one 8×8 inch pan)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions For Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
Following these steps carefully will ensure your Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe turns out perfectly every time. The process is broken down into simple stages, so don’t feel intimidated. Let’s begin.
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread
The foundation of this dish is, of course, the cornbread. For the best texture, it is crucial to use cornbread that is slightly dry. Therefore, you should plan to bake it at least one day in advance. If making from scratch, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. After it cools completely, crumble it into large pieces and let it sit out overnight to dry out.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Vegetables
Next, place your chopped bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until it is brown and crispy, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but be sure to leave about 3-4 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet. Subsequently, add the diced onion and celery to the hot grease and sauté until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This step builds an essential layer of flavor for your stuffing.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now it is time to bring everything together. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and the cooked bacon. Then, add the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture from the skillet. Sprinkle the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, and black pepper over the top. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk the lightly beaten eggs with 3 cups of the chicken broth. Pour this liquid mixture over the cornbread mixture and fold gently until everything is moistened. If the stuffing seems too dry, you can add up to one additional cup of broth. The mixture should be moist, but not swimming in liquid.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Finally, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it in an even layer. For a very moist stuffing, you can bake it covered with foil for the first 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This two-stage baking process ensures the inside steams perfectly while the top achieves a wonderful texture. Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This amazing Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe is now ready to be enjoyed.
Tips and Variations for Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
While Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe is fantastic as is, there are several ways you can customize it to your liking or prepare it more efficiently. These tips will help you perfect your holiday side dish game.
Make-Ahead Tips
Holidays can be hectic, so any prep you can do in advance is a huge help. For this Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe, you can bake the cornbread up to two days ahead of time. You can also cook the bacon and sauté the vegetables a day in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of, all you need to do is assemble the stuffing and bake it. This approach can save you significant time and stress.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients. For instance, adding a cup of toasted pecans or walnuts can provide a wonderful crunch. For a touch of sweetness to balance the salty bacon, consider adding a cup of dried cranberries or a diced apple along with the vegetables. If you enjoy a variety of stuffing flavors, you might also like this Cranberry Apple Stuffing recipe. Additionally, you could add sautéed mushrooms or even a bit of cooked sausage for an even heartier dish.
Getting the Right Moisture Level
The ideal moisture level for stuffing is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a drier, more crumbly stuffing, while others love it very moist and almost pudding-like. The amount of chicken broth is the key to controlling this. Start with 3 cups of broth, and if you prefer a wetter stuffing, gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency before baking.
What to Serve with Your Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
This savory cornbread stuffing is the perfect companion to a wide array of main courses and side dishes, making it a cornerstone of any holiday spread. Of course, it is a natural partner for a classic roasted turkey. The savory, smoky notes of the bacon and herbs beautifully complement the tender poultry.
Beyond the turkey, this stuffing pairs wonderfully with other holiday favorites. Imagine a spoonful of this deliciousness next to a generous serving of creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese or a scoop of sweet, rich Southern Candied Yams. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly memorable meal. A balanced meal is important for overall health, and according to Healthline, incorporating a variety of food groups is key to a nutritious diet, especially during the holidays.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, proper storage is essential to enjoy them later. First, allow the stuffing to cool completely to room temperature. This is an important food safety step, as detailed by experts at the Mayo Clinic, to prevent bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer the stuffing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven or the microwave. For the best results, the oven is recommended. Simply place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to re-moisten it, and cover with foil. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through. This method helps the stuffing retain its wonderful texture. The microwave also works for a quicker option, but it may result in a softer texture.
Conclusion About Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
In summary, this Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a true centerpiece of any festive meal. The incredible combination of sweet cornbread, smoky bacon, and savory herbs creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Furthermore, the perfect balance of a moist interior and a crispy top makes every bite an absolute delight. Following these detailed instructions will guarantee a successful and delicious outcome that your friends and family will request year after year. Ultimately, adding this unforgettable dish to your holiday menu is a decision you will not regret.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe
Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes, absolutely! Using a quality store-bought cornbread or even a cornbread mix is a fantastic time-saver. For best results, make sure the cornbread is a day or two old so it has had a chance to dry out a bit. This will help it absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
How do I prevent my stuffing from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy stuffing is to use stale, dry cornbread. Additionally, be careful not to add too much chicken broth at once. Start with the recommended amount and only add more if the mixture still seems overly dry. Tossing the ingredients gently rather than vigorously stirring also helps maintain the cornbread’s structure.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon Recipe. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use 3-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, you could add a pinch of smoked paprika to the vegetables as they cook.
Can I freeze the stuffing?
Stuffing freezes very well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze it unbaked, assemble the stuffing in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. To freeze baked stuffing, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a covered, oven-safe dish.
