Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing

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Golden, crisp on top and tender inside, this Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Made with rich, buttery cornbread, flavorful sausage, and a medley of sautéed vegetables and herbs, it’s a savory classic that steals the spotlight at any holiday gathering. The contrast of textures — the crumbly softness of cornbread and the hearty bites of sausage — makes every mouthful incredibly satisfying.

Unlike traditional bread stuffing, this version celebrates Southern roots with a distinctly bold and rustic flavor. The edges crisp beautifully in the oven while the inside stays moist and full of depth from onions, celery, sage, and thyme. Whether you’re serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or a roasted chicken dinner, it delivers a rich, herby warmth that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing

• Packed with robust, savory flavor from seasoned sausage and fresh herbs
• The cornbread creates a beautifully textured base with a hint of sweetness
• A make-ahead friendly dish that’s perfect for entertaining
• A Southern classic that adds comfort and charm to any table
• Easily customizable with add-ins like apples, cranberries, or pecans

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in this dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large skillet is critical for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables evenly. A wooden spoon or spatula helps break up the sausage and mix everything gently without overworking the ingredients. A mixing bowl is needed to combine all the stuffing components thoroughly. Finally, a casserole baking dish is essential for achieving that perfect bake—crispy on the edges and soft inside. Optional but helpful: a cooling rack to dry the cornbread cubes in advance, ensuring they soak up all the flavor without turning mushy.

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Preparation Tips

Start by preparing your cornbread a day or two ahead, giving it enough time to dry out, which helps absorb the sausage and vegetable mixture better. You can cube and toast it in the oven if you’re short on time. When cooking the sausage, let it brown fully for deeper flavor. Don’t rush the sautéing of onions and celery—they build the aromatic foundation of your stuffing. If you’re using homemade chicken broth, warm it before adding to the stuffing mix to help bind everything together evenly. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning if needed, since sausage can vary in saltiness.

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Ingredients for this Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if applicable)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups cubed cornbread (preferably day-old or lightly toasted)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet for the vegetables.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onions and celery to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and combine the cooked vegetables with the sausage in the mixing bowl.

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Step 3: Combine the Mixture

Add the cubed cornbread to the bowl with the sausage and vegetables. Sprinkle in the parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine without breaking the cornbread too much.

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Step 4: Add Liquids and Eggs

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs and 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Pour the mixture evenly over the stuffing mixture in the bowl. Add the melted butter. Gently fold the ingredients together until well-moistened. If the mixture feels dry, add more broth a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

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Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a few fresh sage leaves for a festive touch.

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Notes

The beauty of this Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing lies in its adaptability. You can easily tweak the flavor profile by using different types of sausage such as maple, spicy Italian, or even a vegetarian substitute. The herbs can be fresh or dried depending on what’s available, but fresh sage adds an unbeatable earthy depth. If you prefer a crispier stuffing, use a larger baking dish to spread the mixture out thinner and increase the uncovered baking time slightly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Using fresh cornbread: Freshly baked cornbread tends to be too moist and can lead to soggy stuffing. Dry it out ahead of time or toast the cubes in the oven.
2. Skipping the taste test: Always taste your mixture before baking. Sausage can vary in saltiness, and adjusting seasoning early prevents bland stuffing.
3. Overmixing: Be gentle when folding everything together. Overmixing breaks down the cornbread and can create a mushy texture.
4. Too much broth: Add broth gradually. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
5. Forgetting to grease the dish: Prevent sticking and burned edges by lightly greasing your baking dish.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the stuffing to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes from the fridge or 40 minutes from frozen.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 9g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami flavor.

Can I use store-bought cornbread?

Absolutely. Just make sure to dry it out or toast it first so it doesn’t turn mushy in the stuffing.

How far ahead can I prepare this stuffing?

You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

What’s the best sausage to use?

Breakfast sausage or mild Italian sausage work great. Choose one that isn’t too greasy and has a nice spice balance.

Can I add other ingredients like cranberries or nuts?

Yes, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or even diced apples are great add-ins for a festive twist.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp. The inside should be moist but not wet. Use a fork to check the center.

Can I stuff this into a turkey?

While it’s safe if done properly, baking it separately ensures a better texture and avoids undercooking risks.

What should I serve this stuffing with?

It pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, pork chops, or even a baked sweet potato for a vegetarian plate.

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Conclusion

Sausage Southern Cornbread Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a nostalgic, flavor-packed companion to your favorite comfort meals. With golden cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, this Southern classic adds heart and soul to any feast. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight dinner, this stuffing brings people together around the table with every warm and satisfying bite.

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