Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is a delicious twist on the classic stuffing that adds layers of flavor to your holiday table. The crispy bits of bacon mingle beautifully with the soft, buttery cornbread, while the fragrant herbs create an aromatic experience. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy family gathering, this stuffing is not just easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen beginner, this recipe will surely excite your taste buds and impress your guests. Get ready to create a warm and comforting dish that everyone will love! 🌽🍞

why make this recipe

There are many reasons to try this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It elevates any meal with its rich flavors and delightful textures. Plus, it’s simple to make, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners or weekend feasts. You’ll love how this dish fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma, making it perfect for gatherings!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

how to make Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients :

• Cornbread (One 9×13 inch pan)
• 12 slices thick-cut turkey bacon (about 12 ounces)
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 4 stalks celery (including some leaves, about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 2 & 1/2 cups chicken stock (plus more if needed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons cold butter (chopped)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

"This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free."

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking dish (if needed)

Directions :

1. Tear the cornbread into bite-sized chunks. Spread it out on 2 large baking sheets. Let the cornbread sit uncovered overnight or for several hours. 🌙
2. Bake the two pans of cornbread at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Flip the cornbread if necessary and bake a little longer if not dried out. Return to the turned-off oven to continue drying.
3. Chop the turkey bacon into 1-inch pieces. 🍖
4. In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcook; it should still be flexible. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the grease in the pan.
5. Chop 2 onions and 4 stalks of celery, including some leaves for extra flavor. Heat the bacon grease in the pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are translucent and celery is soft. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh sage and 2 teaspoons fresh thyme. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
7. Add the dried cornbread to a large bowl.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9. Scrape the onion and celery mixture into the bowl with cornbread, and add the cooked turkey bacon.
10. Return the empty pan to medium heat and add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Cook while scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan until the liquid evaporates.
11. Melt a stick of butter in the pan and pour it over the cornbread mixture.
12. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together 2 and 1/2 cups chicken stock and 2 eggs. Season with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
13. Slowly pour the stock mixture over the cornbread, gently stirring to combine without crushing it. If the cornbread is dry, add more stock as needed.
14. Grease a 9×13 inch pan and spread the stuffing mixture evenly.
15. Top with 4 tablespoons of chopped cold butter.
16. Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray and cover the stuffing, sealing the edges.
17. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, until warmed throughout.
18. Raise the temperature to 450 degrees F, uncover the pan, and bake for another 20 minutes, keeping an eye on it so the top doesn’t burn. You want it crispy!
19. Serve warm with turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes! 🍽️

how to serve Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Serve this delicious stuffing alongside your favorite roasted dishes. It’s a perfect complement to turkey or chicken, making every bite full of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an eye-catching presentation.

how to store Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.

💡 Pro Tips

• For a more flavorful stuffing, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or carrots.
• If you have leftover cornbread from the day before, this recipe is a great way to use it up!
• Don’t worry if your cornbread breaks apart; the broth will soak it and hold everything together.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to your liking!

Variation

Try adding nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or pecans for added texture and sweetness. You can also swap in different herbs based on your preference, such as parsley or rosemary!

FAQs

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the stuffing the day before and bake it just before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Absolutely! You can use white bread or sourdough if you prefer.

3. What can I serve with this stuffing?
   This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or even as a hearty side dish with soups.

4. Is this stuffing gluten-free?
   You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cornbread!