Cornbread and Bacon Stuffing (Dressing)
π Cook Time: 30 minutes
π Prep Time: 20 minutes
π Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
This Cornbread and Bacon Stuffing, or Dressing as some may call it, is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Originally inspired by a recipe from the venerable Better Homes and Garden Cookbook, it has been slightly modified over the years to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast turkey for Thanksgiving or as a hearty side dish for a weeknight dinner, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 6 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 6 onions, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Saute the onions and celery: In a large skillet, heat the bacon drippings over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and diced onions, and sautΓ© until they are soft but not browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the bread mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread, bread, cooked bacon (if using), dried parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the ingredients are well mixed.
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Incorporate cooked vegetables: Add the cooked celery and onions to the bread mixture, and toss until evenly distributed.
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Moisten with broth: Gradually add the beaten eggs and 1 cup of chicken broth to the mixture, stirring until everything is moistened. Add more broth as needed until you reach your desired level of moisture. (Note: The amount of broth may vary depending on personal preference.)
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Prepare for baking: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish. Any type of baking pan will work; an 8×8-inch dish is ideal for a single batch, while a 9×13-inch dish can accommodate a double batch.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This stuffing is versatile and can be served as a side dish for various meals, or used to stuff a turkey weighing 8 to 10 pounds if desired.
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Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version of this stuffing, omit the bacon drippings and chicken broth. Instead, use butter or olive oil for sautΓ©ing the vegetables, and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. The result is equally delicious and suitable for vegetarian diets.
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Storage tip: To save time, consider keeping leftover pieces of cornbread or bread heels in a ziplock bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to make this stuffing, simply thaw the bread and you’ll have half the work already done, just like grandma used to do!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 202.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 74.9mg
- Sodium Content: 642.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 17.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 3.4g
- Protein Content: 8.9g
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dish to enjoy with loved ones, this Cornbread and Bacon Stuffing is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its savory flavors, moist texture, and simple preparation, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.
