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Easy Southern Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

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This Easy Southern Cornbread Dressing with Sausage is a quick and delicious comfort food that comes together in about 45 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like cornbread, breakfast sausage, and basic seasonings, it’s perfect for weeknights or holiday tables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups crumbled day-old cornbread
  • 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 to 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the sausage: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  3. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet with the remaining sausage fat, add the diced onion and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the celery has softened. Stir occasionally.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, add the crumbled cornbread. Add the cooked sausage and the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, beaten eggs, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture over the cornbread mixture. Gently fold everything together. The cornbread should be moist but not soggy. If it looks dry, add another ¼ cup of broth.
  7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the dressing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Don’t press it down.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The dressing is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  9. Rest before serving: Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Notes

Dry your cornbread properly: crumble it the night before and spread on a baking sheet uncovered. Don’t overmix once wet ingredients are added. Use your hands for better control. Watch your salt as sausage, broth, and butter all contain salt. This dressing can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking (add 10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold).

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread dressing, sausage dressing, southern dressing, thanksgiving side, easy dressing recipe

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/easy-southern-cornbread-dressing-with-sausage/