Cheesy Cornbread Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 ounce) package cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions and cooled
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Prepare the cornbread according to package directions. Let cool completely, then crumble.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
6. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7. In a very large bowl, combine the cubed bread, crumbled cornbread, and cooked sausage mixture.
8. Pour in the chicken broth, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, parsley, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
9. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
10. Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Core Elements of Incredible Cheesy Cornbread Stuffing
The Cornbread Foundation
The cornbread serves as the flavorful heart of this stuffing. Using a mix streamlines the process, but homemade cornbread adds an extra layer of love.
Regardless of your choice, ensure the cornbread is fully cooled before crumbling. Warm cornbread tends to clump and won’t distribute evenly.
Consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the cornbread mix for a hint of sweetness. This complements the savory elements beautifully.
Balancing Bread Types
The inclusion of day-old bread provides textural complexity. It absorbs the flavorful broth and prevents the stuffing from becoming overly dense.
Choose a sturdy bread, such as sourdough or a hearty country loaf. Avoid soft, overly processed breads that will turn to mush.
Cubing the bread into roughly equal sizes ensures even cooking. Uneven pieces can result in some parts being soggy while others remain dry.
Sautéed Aromatics: The Flavor Base
Sautéing the onion, celery, and bell pepper unlocks their aromatic potential. This step is crucial for building a deep, complex flavor profile.
Cook the vegetables until they are softened but not browned. Over-browning can impart a bitter taste to the stuffing.
Adding minced garlic during the final minute of sautéing releases its pungent aroma without burning. Burnt garlic has a distinctly unpleasant flavor.
Sausage Selection & Preparation
Italian sausage contributes savory richness and depth to the stuffing. Remove the sausage from its casings for easier browning and even distribution.
Use a good quality Italian sausage, either mild or hot, depending on your preference. Consider a blend of both for a more nuanced flavor.
Drain off any excess grease after browning the sausage. This prevents the stuffing from becoming overly greasy.
Cheesy Goodness & Herbal Infusion
The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a melty, gooey texture that elevates the stuffing. Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties.
Fresh parsley and dried thyme add a bright, herbal note. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste. Sage and rosemary are also excellent additions.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheese selection. Pepper jack can add a spicy kick. Gruyere lends a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
Elevating Your Cheesy Cornbread Stuffing
Moisture Management is Key
The key to perfect stuffing lies in achieving the right moisture balance. Too little broth results in dry, crumbly stuffing. Too much broth leads to a soggy mess.
Start with the recommended amount of broth and add more gradually if needed. The stuffing should be moist but not swimming in liquid.
The type of bread you use will affect how much broth is absorbed. Denser breads require more liquid than lighter breads.
Customizing with Add-Ins
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to add other ingredients to customize the flavor and texture.
Consider adding dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and tartness. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
Cooked apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide a subtle sweetness and moisture. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces.
Preparing Ahead for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving day can be hectic, so preparing the stuffing ahead of time can save you valuable time and stress.
You can assemble the stuffing a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a little extra broth before baking, as the bread will absorb more moisture overnight.
Alternatively, you can bake the stuffing ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Baking the stuffing covered with foil initially helps to retain moisture. Removing the foil during the final 15-20 minutes allows the top to brown and crisp up.
If the top of the stuffing is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent it from burning.
Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Oven temperatures can vary, which can affect the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Let the stuffing stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory touch.
Serve the stuffing alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or ham. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Ingredients
Overmixing the stuffing can result in a dense, gluey texture. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
Avoid using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. These tools are too powerful and can easily overmix the stuffing.
Use a large bowl to give yourself plenty of room to mix the ingredients without overcrowding.
Using Stale Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread
While day-old bread is preferred, stale bread can be too dry and hard. It won’t absorb the broth properly, resulting in dry stuffing.
If you only have stale bread, you can rehydrate it by soaking it in broth or milk for a few minutes before adding it to the stuffing.
Alternatively, you can toast the bread lightly in the oven to dry it out slightly. This will help it absorb the broth without becoming soggy.
Ignoring the Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the stuffing. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the salt, pepper, and herbs.
Taste the stuffing before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.
Consider using a variety of herbs and spices to create a complex flavor profile. Sage, rosemary, and marjoram are all excellent choices.
Overcrowding the Baking Dish
Overcrowding the baking dish can prevent the stuffing from cooking evenly. Use a large enough dish to accommodate all of the ingredients.
If you don’t have a large enough baking dish, you can divide the stuffing between two smaller dishes.
Be sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent the stuffing from sticking.
Skipping the Resting Period
Letting the stuffing stand for 10 minutes before serving is essential for allowing it to set and become easier to scoop.
This also allows the flavors to meld together and develop further.
Resist the temptation to serve the stuffing immediately after taking it out of the oven.
Variations and Adaptations
Vegetarian Option
To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage. You can add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini, to compensate for the lost flavor.
Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a vegetarian sausage substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Sausage.
Tofu can also be added to boost the protein content. Crumble it and sauté it with the vegetables.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
To make this stuffing gluten-free, use gluten-free cornbread mix and gluten-free bread. There are many excellent gluten-free bread options available.
Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Xanthan gum can be added to gluten-free cornbread to help bind the ingredients.
Spicy Kick
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild Italian sausage.
Consider adding chopped jalapenos or serrano peppers to the stuffing. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
A drizzle of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper can also add a fiery element.
Cranberry Infusion
Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and tartness to the stuffing. You can also use fresh cranberries, but be sure to cook them down slightly before adding them.
Cranberry sauce can also be added to the stuffing. Just be sure to use a chunky cranberry sauce rather than a smooth one.
Cranberry juice can be used to moisten the stuffing. It adds a subtle sweetness and tartness.
Apple and Sage Combination
Cooked apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide a subtle sweetness and moisture. Sage adds a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
Sauté the apples with the onion and celery. Add the sage during the final minute of sautéing.
Apple cider can be used to moisten the stuffing. It enhances the apple flavor.
FAQ About Cheesy Cornbread Stuffing
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add a little extra broth before baking. You can also bake it ahead and reheat.
What kind of bread should I use?
Use a sturdy day-old bread, such as sourdough or a hearty country loaf. Avoid soft, overly processed breads.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffing. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How do I prevent the stuffing from being dry?
Ensure there’s enough moisture. Start with the recommended amount of broth and add more if needed. Cover with foil during initial baking.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
You can substitute ground pork, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute.
