Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: An Essential Recipe

Alright, let’s chat about something that brings serious comfort to my family’s table: Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. This isn’t your fancy, complicated stuffing. It’s the kind that reminds you of cozy holidays and grandma’s kitchen, but with a delicious, bacon-y twist. I’m going to share how I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing a family favorite without spending all day in the kitchen!

So, the first time I made Bacon Cornbread Stuffing, I was trying to find a side dish that would actually get my kids excited about Thanksgiving. You know how it is – they’re all about the turkey and mashed potatoes! I stumbled upon a cornbread stuffing recipe online and thought, “Why not add bacon?” Best decision ever. The crispy bacon and slightly sweet cornbread were a total win. Now, this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is a must-have every year.

My youngest, bless her heart, said it tasted like “Christmas in my mouth!” Honestly, that’s the reaction I’m always hoping for when I’m cooking. It makes all the kitchen chaos totally worth it! And the best part? It’s so easy to customize to your family’s tastes.

This journey wasn’t without its bumps. I once used a cornbread mix that was way too sweet! The Bacon Cornbread Stuffing was almost dessert. Live and learn, right? Now I always taste the cornbread before I start. Small changes make a big difference!

For me, cooking is about creating those simple, comforting moments for my family. It’s the smell of Bacon Cornbread Stuffing baking that fills the house and brings everyone together. If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly side dish that won’t leave you stressed, keep reading. I’m sharing all my secrets for making this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing a total dinnertime win!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing magic happen. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 1 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups crumbled cornbread (day-old is best!)
• 4 cups bread cubes (I use sourdough for extra flavor)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup melted butter

No worries if you don’t have sourdough – I use whatever bread I have on hand. Sometimes it’s white bread for extra softness in my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It’s all about using what you have!

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I like to grab my cornbread from the bakery section to save time. This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, or hard to source.

My family gets extra comfort when I add a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Just a sprinkle! It melts into the stuffing and adds a nice cheesy flavor.

Here’s a Bacon Cornbread Stuffing comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: pre-cook the bacon the day before! It saves so much time when you’re actually making the stuffing. Plus, the house smells amazing all day! Don’t toss that bacon fat either! Save a little to add to the vegetables when you saute them.

For even more flavor, sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It gives it a little kick that my husband loves. Feel free to customize the seasonings to your family’s taste. That’s the best part about home cooking, right?

Okay, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this amazing Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is important! No one wants a Bacon Cornbread Stuffing that sticks to the pan.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Mmm, bacon! This savory stuffing is a family favorite.
3. Add the onion and celery to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the sage, thyme, and pepper. This is where the magic starts to happen! Your kitchen will smell incredible! The aroma of bacon, onion, and herbs is pure comfort. This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing will be something everyone will love.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, bread cubes, and cooked bacon. Pour the cooked onion and celery mixture over the bread mixture. Toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the bread mixture. Toss gently until everything is moistened. Don’t overmix! You want the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing to be moist, but not soggy.
6. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. I like to pat it down a little bit, but not too much.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing should smell amazing by now!
8. Let the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Plus, it’s easier to cut and serve!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Bacon Cornbread Stuffing usually takes about an hour from start to finish. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! I’ve learned a few things over the years. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing – learn from my experience! I used to add too much broth, which resulted in soggy stuffing. Now I add the broth gradually until the bread is just moistened.

While your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s these simple moments that make all the difference.

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just a side dish in my house, it’s a star! I’ve even tried a Southern-Styled Cornbread Stuffing | Orchids + Sweet Tea recipe, but my family likes my version best.

The kids devour this comforting Bacon Cornbread Stuffing when I serve it with roasted chicken and green beans. It’s a complete meal that everyone loves. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Another favorite side is mac and cheese! Who can resist that classic combo?

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love making it for potlucks and holiday gatherings. It’s always a hit!

Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little extra bacon on top of the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing before serving. It makes it look extra appetizing. Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, also add a nice touch.

And let’s talk about leftovers! Because we always have them! Leftover Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is amazing warmed up with a fried egg on top. It’s also great in a breakfast casserole.

I’ve also tried adding different variations of bacon to this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. One time, I used maple bacon and it was amazing! The sweetness of the maple bacon added a whole new level of flavor. Another time, I used smoked bacon and it gave the stuffing a delicious smoky flavor. My family also enjoys my Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe.

I even had a friend tell me that my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing was the best she’d ever had! That made my day! There is also a really good Bacon Parmesan Cornbread Stuffing – On Ty’s Plate recipe online that you may find interesting.

I know you probably have some questions about making this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

• Is this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The cornbread, bacon, and bread cubes make it a hearty and satisfying side dish. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, so kids actually want to eat it!
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? Offer a small portion alongside something they already love. Sometimes it takes a few tries for kids to warm up to new foods. You can also try adding a little bit of cheese or their favorite sauce to make it more appealing.
• Can I meal prep this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Can I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing vegetarian? You can! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• What kind of cornbread is best for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? I prefer using a slightly sweet cornbread, but you can use whatever kind you like. Just make sure it’s day-old so it doesn’t get too soggy.
• Can I add other vegetables to this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? Absolutely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just sauté them with the onion and celery before adding them to the bread mixture.
• How do I prevent my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing from drying out? Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This will help to trap in moisture. You can also add a little extra chicken broth if the stuffing seems dry.
• What if I don’t have time to make cornbread from scratch? No problem! You can use a store-bought cornbread mix or even cornbread muffins. Just crumble them up and use them in the recipe. I have also seen a good looking Bacon Corn Bread Stuffing – The Food Charlatan recipe.

I hope these answers help! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your family. Don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe. For another great recipe, take a look at my Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing.

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy to your family’s table. It aligns perfectly with my goal of creating simple, satisfying meals without the overwhelm. Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore!

Here are my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Comfort Hacks:

• Pre-cook the bacon: Saves time and makes the house smell amazing!
• Taste the cornbread: Avoid overly sweet surprises!
• Don’t overmix: Keeps the stuffing light and fluffy!

Here are a few family-tested Bacon Cornbread Stuffing variations:

• Maple Bacon Version: My kids love this one!
• Spicy Version: My husband prefers this!
• Cheesy Version: A classic favorite!

I truly believe that everyone can create delicious, comforting meals for their families, no matter how busy they are. The kids tend to love the maple bacon version of this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing while my husband likes it a little spicy.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get in the kitchen and create your own version of Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Make it your own!

Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. When you cook with love, your family will taste it! So go ahead, give this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing a try. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it does to mine! You got this, momma! 💕