Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so thrilled to welcome you to my delicious corner of the internet! If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that’s anything BUT boring, you’ve come to the right place. This isn’t just cooking; it’s about turning every meal into something truly special, and today we’re diving headfirst into one of my absolute favorites: Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
I’m so excited to share how this recipe came to life, but more importantly, how you can bring its mouthwatering magic into your own kitchen. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, I promise this is a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss. Get ready to make some memories – and some seriously tasty food!
This recipe? It’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen. It all started with a late-night craving and a fridge full of leftovers. I had some amazing cornbread from a BBQ earlier that week, some crispy bacon from brunch, and the idea that there had to be a way to make something incredible. Fast forward through a few flavor experiments, and BOOM – Bacon Cornbread Stuffing was born.
I’ve always been obsessed with comfort food, but I refuse to settle for bland. That’s where this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing comes in. I wanted a dish that was both familiar and exciting, something that could bring a smile to everyone’s face. And let me tell you, the combination of sweet cornbread and savory bacon? It’s pure magic. The quest to make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing even better has always been my inspiration.
The first time I made it for game night, the reactions were priceless. My friends devoured it. They couldn’t stop raving about the smoky flavor and the texture. I knew I was onto something special. Seeing their faces light up when they taste my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing still gets me excited!
What I love most is that this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is all about comfort food with a twist. It takes a classic side dish and gives it a major upgrade. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never go back to plain old stuffing again! My initial goal was to elevate a basic dish. I didn’t want the same old boring side. When I realized the potential of adding bacon to cornbread stuffing, I knew I was onto something amazing. It was that Bacon Cornbread Stuffing that became a bold flavor winner.
Now, are you ready to dive into this incredible Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe with me? Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled: This is the star! It adds that smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 batch of your favorite cornbread (about 8 cups, crumbled): You can use store-bought or homemade. Try my Cornbread Casserole recipe
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, savory base to the stuffing.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle crunch and flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a bit of sweetness and color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: For richness and flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Helps bind the stuffing together.
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning: A classic stuffing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Adds an earthy, savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
No worries if you don’t have poultry seasoning – I use a mix of thyme, rosemary, and marjoram all the time in my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It works like a charm! You can usually find all of these ingredients in your regular grocery store trip.
This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing gets its amazing taste from the perfect blend of sweet cornbread and savory bacon. Here’s my secret that takes it from good to incredible – don’t skimp on the bacon!
For a shortcut, buy pre-cooked bacon bits and crumbled cornbread. You can store the crumbled cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I love adding extra sage to my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing for that extra kick. You can check out Southern-Styled Cornbread Stuffing for recipe inspiration.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is my favorite part of making Bacon Cornbread Stuffing – watch the magic happen!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it. I like to cook extra bacon for snacking! While your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, melted butter, eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour into baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Don’t worry if your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing looks a little moist – it will bake up perfectly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. In my kitchen, this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing usually takes about 32 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown color.
- Let it rest: Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more. Your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing should smell absolutely incredible right now.
See? That wasn’t so hard! Each time I whip up this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing I find another shortcut.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing hits the table with a perfectly roasted chicken. This recipe is a game changer!
I love to serve this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing warm, straight from the oven. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. But honestly, it’s so good, you don’t need a special occasion to make it!
Here are some bold flavor pairings that complement it perfectly:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A classic combination that never fails.
- Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the ham pairs beautifully with the savory stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the stuffing.
- Green Bean Casserole: Another holiday staple that complements the flavors of the stuffing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Because who doesn’t love mashed potatoes?
For presentation, I like to garnish the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing with fresh parsley or a few extra crumbles of bacon. It just makes it look extra inviting.
And if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here are some creative transformations:
- Stuffing Waffles: Mix leftover stuffing with an egg and a little flour, then cook in a waffle iron. Top with gravy or syrup.
- Stuffing Frittata: Mix leftover stuffing with beaten eggs and cheese, then bake in a skillet until set.
- Stuffing Croutons: Cut leftover stuffing into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then bake until crispy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little heat to your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. I made this fusion by complete accident and it was a hit! To keep things interesting, you can explore other variations like Bacon Parmesan Cornbread Stuffing.
This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing reminds me of another family favorite, that you should also try out.
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns and my best advice based on my personal experiments with this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. I’ve designed it so that anyone, regardless of their cooking experience, can make it. If you can chop veggies and mix ingredients, you can make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It’s even easier than making Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon.
Q: Can I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
Q: What if I mess up my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up. But even if you do, it’ll still taste amazing. The combination of bacon and cornbread is pretty forgiving. If it’s too dry, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, bake it a little longer.
Q: How can I prep this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing for busy weeknights?
A: Chop the veggies and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the stuffing, just combine all the ingredients and bake. It’s a huge time-saver! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for it!
Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of cornbread?
A: While cornbread is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other types of bread. Sourdough or French bread would also be delicious. But trust me, the cornbread adds a unique flavor that you won’t want to miss.
Q: What if I don’t have chicken broth?
A: You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. But chicken broth adds the most flavor. I always keep a carton in my pantry just for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe!
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients. Some ideas include mushrooms, cranberries, pecans, or sausage. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love! My family prefers it without mushrooms and cranberries but if that’s your thing, go for it!
CONCLUSION:
This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of comfort, flavor, and bringing people together. I hope you love it as much as I do!
My Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Flavor Secrets
- Don’t skimp on the bacon: The more bacon, the better! It adds so much flavor and texture to the stuffing.
- Use good quality cornbread: The cornbread is the base of the stuffing, so make sure it’s delicious!
- Sauté the veggies properly: Sautéing the onions, celery, and bell pepper until softened brings out their sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the stuffing.
Here are a few delicious Bacon Cornbread Stuffing variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Sweet and Savory Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add dried cranberries and pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Sausage Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add cooked and crumbled sausage for even more savory flavor.
I love the spicy version for game nights, the sweet and savory version for Thanksgiving, and the sausage version for a hearty weeknight dinner. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Trust your taste buds, get creative, and have fun in the kitchen. I’m so excited for you to try this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing and make it your own. Now go on and make some magic happen!
Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing elevates traditional stuffing with savory bacon and the comforting sweetness of cornbread. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 (15 ounce) package cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 (8.5 ounce) package cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken broth and melted butter.
- Add cornbread stuffing mix, crumbled cornbread, sage, thyme, pepper, cooked bacon, and cooked onion and celery to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Pour stuffing into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
For extra flavor, add dried cranberries or chopped pecans to the stuffing before baking.