The holidays are all about gathering around the table with loved ones, and what better way to make your meal special than with a classic Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? This dish combines the savory flavors of crisp bacon with the sweetness of cornbread, making it the perfect side for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a family dinner, this stuffing is bound to be a hit.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious, comforting stuffing from scratch, and show you why this recipe is the ultimate addition to your holiday table. We will cover everything from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, while addressing common questions and providing tips for customization. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of Bacon Cornbread Stuffing!
What Is Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?
Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is a flavorful side dish traditionally made with crumbled cornbread, crispy bacon, and a blend of herbs and vegetables. The combination of ingredients makes for a sweet, savory, and satisfying dish, perfect for complementing turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian holiday spread.
Though it’s called “stuffing,” it’s typically made as a dressing—baked separately in a casserole dish rather than stuffed inside a bird. The crispy bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the cornbread creates a tender base with a subtle sweetness. It’s the ideal balance of textures and flavors.
What’s the Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?
Before we get started, it’s important to understand the difference between stuffing and dressing.
- Stuffing: A dish traditionally prepared by stuffing the ingredients inside the cavity of a turkey or chicken before roasting. The stuffing absorbs the flavorful juices from the bird while cooking.
- Dressing: This is the same dish as stuffing, but instead of being cooked inside the bird, it’s prepared in a casserole dish and baked separately.
While the difference is mostly in the preparation, many people use the terms interchangeably. In this recipe, we’ll refer to it as dressing since it’s baked in a dish, not stuffed into a turkey.
Ingredients for Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
Creating the perfect Bacon Cornbread Stuffing requires the right balance of ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Cornbread: The star of the dish. It forms the base and adds a light, crumbly texture. You can either make your own from scratch or use store-bought cornbread for convenience. You’ll need about 4 cups of cubed cornbread.
- Bacon: Choose regular bacon for the right balance of crispiness. Bacon adds richness and a smoky flavor to the dressing. You’ll need about 4-6 slices, chopped.
- Whole Wheat Bread: This adds some density and a hearty texture. You can use white bread if you prefer.
- Leeks or Onion: Leeks add a mild onion-like flavor, but you can substitute with yellow onion if needed.
- Garlic: A fragrant addition that pairs well with the bacon and herbs.
- Celery: This ingredient adds a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor.
- Sage: A classic herb that’s often used in holiday recipes. It brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds richness and moisture to the stuffing. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and color.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the key details of this delicious recipe, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Bacon Cornbread Stuffing from scratch. This guide will walk you through each stage, ensuring you get the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread and Bread Cubes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of cornbread (cubed) – If you don’t have homemade cornbread, store-bought works just as well.
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread (cubed) – This adds a hearty, rustic texture. You can use white bread if you prefer.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cube the cornbread and whole wheat bread into small pieces and spread them evenly on the baking sheets.
- Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cubes are golden and crisp. This will dry them out, making them perfect for absorbing the flavorful broth later.
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Prepare the Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon (chopped) – Use regular cut bacon for crispiness.
- 1 leek (chopped) – A mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon of garlic (minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 stalk of celery (diced) – For crunch and freshness.
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the rendered fat behind. If there’s excess fat, discard some, but leave just enough to sauté the vegetables.
- Add the leek and garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced celery and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften. Remove from heat once done.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sage (chopped) – This herb is essential for the classic stuffing flavor.
- 1 large egg (beaten) – Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth – This helps to rehydrate the bread cubes and meld all the ingredients together.
- ½ cup of fresh parsley (chopped) – For a fresh finish and color.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Instructions:
- Add the cooked bacon, leek, garlic, and celery mixture to the bowl of bread cubes. Mix well.
- Stir in the sage, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine all ingredients. The bread should be moistened but not soggy. If it feels too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing
Instructions:
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the stuffing to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Serve the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing hot alongside your favorite holiday dishes. It pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, gravy, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips and Variations for Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
This recipe is already a winner, but you can elevate it further with a few simple adjustments or additions. Here are some tips and variations to help you personalize your stuffing:
Add More Vegetables
While celery and leek are the classic vegetables for stuffing, you can experiment with other ingredients. Try carrots or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Both vegetables add texture and earthiness to the stuffing.
Use Different Types of Bread
While cornbread and whole wheat bread work perfectly together, you can also try other types of bread. Sourdough or French bread can give your stuffing a slightly tangy taste and more chewy texture.
Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
If you love cheese, adding shredded cheddar or Parmesan can make your stuffing even richer. Just sprinkle about ½ cup of cheese over the stuffing before baking it for a delicious, gooey crust.
Make It Spicy
For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture. The subtle heat will balance out the sweetness of the cornbread and give your stuffing a unique twist.
Adjust the Meat
While bacon is the star of this stuffing, you could swap it out for sausage, pancetta, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. These will still bring the savory flavors you crave but with their own distinct taste.
The Best Way to Serve Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative when serving it. Here are a few ideas on how to make your meal extra special:
As a Side Dish: The stuffing pairs perfectly with roast chicken, turkey, or pork. It’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.
As a Main Course: If you’re looking for a simple, filling meal, serve the stuffing with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad. You can even add a protein, like grilled chicken breasts or pan-seared steaks, to round out the dish.
Topped with Gravy: If you love gravy, drizzle a bit of homemade turkey gravy or brown gravy over the stuffing to add an extra layer of flavor. It complements the savory bacon and moist cornbread beautifully.
For Brunch: Bacon Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just for holidays. It’s a wonderful dish to serve at brunch, especially when paired with scrambled eggs or sausage links. It’s hearty enough to be a main course but versatile enough to be part of a brunch buffet.
FAQs On Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
Can you put bacon in cornbread dressing?
Yes, you can! Adding bacon to cornbread dressing enhances the flavor by introducing a savory, crispy element. Bacon drippings also add richness to the mixture, making the dressing even more flavorful. Many traditional cornbread dressing recipes call for bacon, and it’s a great way to elevate the dish for special occasions like Thanksgiving.
What do you put in cornbread stuffing?
Cornbread stuffing typically includes the following ingredients:
- Cornbread (cubed)
- Bread (like whole wheat or white)
- Bacon or sausage for savory flavor
- Vegetables like celery, onions, and garlic
- Herbs such as sage, thyme, and parsley
- Chicken broth to moisten the bread
- Egg to bind the ingredients together
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
This combination creates a delicious stuffing that’s both hearty and flavorful, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or served as a side dish.
What is a substitute for bacon drippings in cornbread?
If you prefer not to use bacon drippings in cornbread, here are some alternatives:
- Butter or margarine – These are great for a rich, tender cornbread.
- Vegetable oil or canola oil – These oils will provide moisture without adding the smokiness of bacon drippings.
- Olive oil – A lighter oil that can add a bit of flavor but without the richness of bacon fat.
- Coconut oil – Adds a slightly different flavor and is a good non-dairy option.
You can substitute bacon drippings in equal amounts with any of these alternatives, but the flavor will be a bit different.
What is the difference between stuffing, dressing, and filling?
The terms stuffing, dressing, and filling are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:
- Stuffing refers to the mixture that is stuffed inside the cavity of a turkey or other poultry before cooking. It cooks along with the bird, absorbing juices from the meat.
- Dressing is the term used for the same mixture when it’s cooked outside the bird, often in a separate baking dish. This is more common in modern recipes.
- Filling is typically used when the stuffing or dressing is placed inside something other than a bird, such as pies or dumplings.
Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cornbread, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 skillet’s worth of cornbread)
- 4 slices whole wheat bread, cut into small cubes
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 stalk leek, chopped (can substitute 1/2 a small onion)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon sage leaves, chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread cornbread and whole wheat bread on the baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until dry and golden. Remove and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Cook bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. If cooked in a skillet, do not drain bacon fat. If baked, reserve the bacon fat and pour into a medium-sized skillet.
- Add leeks and garlic to the pan, cooking over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Stir in celery and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the bread cubes.
- Add sage, egg, chicken broth, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Bacon Cornbread Stuffing!
Notes:
- You can prepare this stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a crispier topping, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is more browned and crunchy.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 8%
