Dinner

Fresh Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Name: Fresh Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups crumbled cornbread, dried out for at least a day; 3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup diced apples or cranberries (optional); Cutting board; Sharp knife; Large skillet; Mixing bowl; Baking dish

ByMaya Quinn December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

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Introduction

Fresh cornbread stuffing is a comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any time you crave a savory, homey accompaniment. Made with crumbly cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that complement roasted meats beautifully.

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with a golden brown stuffing dish. The stuffing has three visible layers: the base layer is made of crumbly, light yellow cornbread, the middle layer has chopped green celery pieces and herbs, and the top layer is a crispy, toasted mixture of crumbled bread with small sprigs of fresh green herbs and nuts scattered throughout. The skillet rests on a soft dark gray cloth with a silver fork and knife with wooden handles beside it. The background is a white marbled texture with blurred warm-toned autumn decorations. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups crumbled cornbread, dried out for at least a day
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced apples or cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the chopped celery and onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked celery and onion mixture, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, until the stuffing mixture is moist but not soggy.
Step 6: Stir in the diced apples or cranberries if using, for a touch of sweetness and color.
Step 7: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate if preparing ahead; bake within one day.

Tips & Variations

Dry out the cornbread for at least a day to ensure the stuffing has the perfect texture and doesn’t become mushy.
For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Add cooked sausage or bacon for extra savory flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts like pecans for a delightful crunch.
If you prefer fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon each of chopped sage and thyme instead of dried.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze the stuffing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A cast iron skillet filled with a baked stuffing dish showing three main layers: the base is goldenbreadcrumb crumbs with light brown toasted edges, the middle layer contains bright green chopped celery pieces mixed within the crumbs, and the top features uneven chunks of toasted bread in a deeper golden brown scattered with fresh green thyme sprigs and darker herb bits. The skillet rests on a soft gray cloth next to a knife and fork with wooden handles, all placed on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cornbread for this stuffing?

Yes, store-bought cornbread works well as long as it has been dried out properly to avoid sogginess in the stuffing.

How can I make the stuffing gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornbread and ensure your broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.