Sausage Upside-Down Cornbread
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Savory Pies
Keywords: Breads, Pork, Onions, Peppers, Vegetable, Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Description
A comforting and savory dish that combines the richness of pork sausage with the fluffy texture of cornbread, all in one pan. This Sausage Upside-Down Cornbread is a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. The combination of sausage, onions, green pepper, and a bit of chili powder creates a hearty base, topped with a delicious cornbread batter for a balanced, mouthwatering dish. Serve it warm and enjoy the easy preparation and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork sausage | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Green pepper, chopped | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed | 4 oz |
| Sliced ripe olives | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Milk | 1 1/3 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 662.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 38.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 153.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1994.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 53.7 g |
| Fiber | 6.1 g |
| Sugar | 16.6 g |
| Protein | 25.9 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly and gives you that perfect golden-brown top. -
Brown the Sausage Mixture
In a large skillet, crumble the pork sausage and cook it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to break up the sausage into small pieces. Once the sausage is nearly browned and crumbly, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. -
Season the Mixture
Stir in the flour, ensuring it blends well with the sausage and vegetables. Add in the tomato paste, salt, chili powder, and pepper, stirring until everything is well combined. Once all the ingredients are incorporated, remove the skillet from the heat. -
Add Cheese and Olives
Gently fold in the cubed sharp cheddar cheese and sliced olives. These ingredients will add a savory richness and a slight briney flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the dish. -
Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture into a 9-inch square baking pan. Make sure the mixture is spread evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a solid base for the cornbread. -
Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix by following the package instructions. Typically, this involves whisking together eggs and milk. If you’re using a homemade cornbread mix, follow your preferred recipe. -
Top with Cornbread Batter
Once the cornbread batter is ready, carefully spread it over the sausage mixture in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the batter so it evenly covers the top of the sausage and vegetable layer. -
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cornbread should rise nicely and form a slightly crispy top. -
Cool and Invert
Let the dish stand in the pan for about 5 minutes once itβs out of the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to invert. To serve, carefully loosen the edges of the cornbread with a spatula and flip the pan onto a serving platter or large plate. -
Serve
Slice and serve the Sausage Upside-Down Cornbread while it’s still warm. Enjoy the savory, cheesy sausage base topped with the soft, golden cornbread. Itβs the perfect dish for dinner or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Upside-Down Cornbread:
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to switch up the type of sausage you use. Spicy Italian sausage can add a nice kick, or you can use breakfast sausage for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fun twist on flavor. The sharper the cheese, the more pronounced the flavor will be.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to give the dish an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time, then simply baked before serving. For best results, assemble everything and refrigerate until ready to bake.
This easy-to-make, savory Sausage Upside-Down Cornbread is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation, you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready in no time! Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this dish a family favorite.
