- **Cornmeal** - Key ingredient for traditional cornbread texture
- **All-Purpose Flour** - Adds structure to the stuffing
- **Bacon** - Crispy and smoky flavor, essential for savory stuffing
- **Onions** - Finely chopped for a sweet and aromatic base
- **Garlic Cloves** - Minced garlic for an intense flavor boost
- **Apples** - Chopped apples to add natural sweetness and moisture
- **Sausage (Cornbread Sausages)** - For extra protein and rich flavor, use cornbread sausages
- **Thyme** - Fresh or dried thyme for herbal notes
- **Herbes de Provence** - A blend of herbs to complement other flavors
- **Salt and Pepper** - Seasoning to taste; adjust according to preference
- **Chicken Broth** - For moisture and richness in the stuffing
- **Butter** - Softened butter for better mixing and texture
- **Eggs** - To bind all ingredients together
*Note: Use cornbread sausages as they provide a unique flavor and consistency perfect for this dish.*
Steps
### Cornbread Sausage Stuffing with Apples: A Festive Holiday Dish
#### Introduction
Looking to add a unique twist to your holiday stuffing? This cornbread sausage stuffing with apples is not only delicious but also easy to make! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. Here’s how you can create this flavorful dish that will delight all your guests.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (smoked or regular)
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or use frozen and thawed)
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 slices of day-old bread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin or food processor for bread
- Skillet or large pot
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Bread**
- Tear or cut the day-old bread into small cubes, ensuring it’s completely dry.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden.
3. **Cook the Sausage**
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
4. **Sauté Vegetables**
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add in the chopped apples and cook for another 10-12 minutes until they soften but still retain some crunch.
5. **Mix Ingredients Together**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the corn kernels with the bread cubes.
- Stir in the remaining butter and chicken broth to ensure everything is well coated.
6. **Season the Stuffing**
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into a baking dish or directly into your turkey cavity if you prefer a stuffed bird.
7. **Bake the Stuffing**
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
#### Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding cranberries or dried cherries to the apples before cooking.
- To ensure your stuffing stays moist, add a bit more chicken broth if you find it too dry during baking.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Just remember to bring it back up to room temperature before baking.
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By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delightful cornbread sausage stuffing with apples that is sure to impress at your next holiday gathering!