Description
This Cornbread Stuffing recipe combines the comforting flavors of golden toasted cornbread, fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and vegetable broth to create a moist, savory side dish perfect for holiday meals or cozy family dinners. Baked until the top is lightly crisp and golden, this vegetarian stuffing offers a delicious balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornbread and Topping
- 1 recipe Cornbread, cubed
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Vegetable Mixture
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Binding and Moisture
- 2 to 2½ cups vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch or similar baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Toast the cornbread cubes: Spread the cubed cornbread evenly on a large baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the pieces are lightly crisp and golden brown. This step helps the cornbread hold texture and absorb liquids better.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery along with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the grated garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Place the toasted cornbread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture, chopped sage, rosemary or thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add broth and eggs: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and the lightly beaten eggs. Mix gently until the cornbread is evenly moistened. If the mixture feels dry, add up to another ½ cup of vegetable broth as needed to achieve a moist but not soggy consistency.
- Transfer and bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly crisp and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm as a savory side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your preferred stuffing moisture level.
- For added flavor, try using fresh rosemary or thyme interchangeably based on your preference.
- This recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs and butter with a vegan alternative.
- To make cornbread from scratch, use a good-quality recipe that yields a moist but sturdy bread for best results.
- Covering while baking helps retain moisture; removing the cover at the end crisps the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg