Savory Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: A Delicious Guide

Alright, flavor adventurers, get ready to have your stuffing game COMPLETELY revolutionized! I’m Quinn, and I’m about to drop a flavor bomb on you that’ll make you question every other stuffing you’ve ever tasted. Forget dry, bland fillers – we’re talking about savory, smoky, and unbelievably delicious Bacon Cornbread Stuffing!

I’ve been making Bacon Cornbread Stuffing for years now, constantly tweaking and perfecting it until it reached peak deliciousness. And trust me, the final result is nothing short of phenomenal. My friends and family literally fight over the last spoonful. This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic deliciousness, and a celebration in every bite!

I knew I had nailed this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing when my super picky Uncle Jorge – the guy who usually only eats plain rice and beans – went back for thirds! His eyes lit up, and he actually said, “Quinn, this… this is *good*.” From Uncle Jorge, that’s basically a Michelin star! Get ready to create some serious food magic with me. Let’s dive into this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe and turn your kitchen into a flavor fiesta!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced: Don’t skimp on the bacon! The thicker the cut, the more smoky goodness you’ll get in every bite of your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work great. They add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery provides that classic stuffing flavor and a nice bit of crunch.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: The sweetness of the bell pepper adds such a great dimension!
• 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn: This is the secret ingredient that keeps the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing moist and delicious.
• 1 (15 ounce) package cornbread stuffing mix: I like to use a slightly sweet cornbread mix for that perfect sweet-and-savory contrast.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbal flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is a must-have for any good stuffing! It adds that classic, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best!

The secret to epic Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is using real, thick-cut bacon instead of bacon bits. Trust me, it makes ALL the difference! You’ll find the best cornbread stuffing mix at your local grocery store, but feel free to experiment with different brands to find your favorite for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Splurge on the fresh parsley. That pop of freshness is EVERYTHING. If you’re on a budget, you can use dried parsley, but fresh is always better! Store your diced bacon in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it to keep it fresh.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Get ready, flavor adventurers! We’re about to create some Bacon Cornbread Stuffing magic.

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Don’t stress – your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is going to be incredible! Pro tip for Bacon Cornbread Stuffing perfection: don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the bacon. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets nice and crispy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Sautéing the vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds depth of flavor to your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, creamed corn, cornbread stuffing mix, chicken broth, parsley, sage, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing transforms into pure magic!
4. Bake the Stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned on top. In my kitchen, this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing takes exactly 32 minutes to reach that perfect golden-brown color. Your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing should look golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible!
5. Let it Rest: Remove the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. While your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

Here’s where most people mess up their Bacon Cornbread Stuffing – they overbake it! Keep an eye on it and pull it out as soon as it’s golden brown. If the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. And remember, the resting period is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. You can prepare the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Simply assemble the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key to making your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing truly unforgettable.

Serve this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing warm, straight from the oven, for maximum impact. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing at Thanksgiving dinner. Garnish it with a few extra sprigs of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing absolutely slays at dinner parties! For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash.

Pair this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes for the ultimate holiday feast. Or, try serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork chops for a delicious weeknight meal. This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is also amazing with a simple green salad.

For Instagram-worthy plating, use a large spoon to scoop the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing onto plates, creating a rustic, yet elegant presentation. Add a drizzle of gravy for extra flavor and moisture.

Transform any leftover **Bacon Cornbread Stuffing** into delicious breakfast muffins! Simply mix the stuffing with a couple of eggs and bake in muffin tins until golden brown. I’ve also used leftover **Bacon Cornbread Stuffing** as a topping for baked potatoes – talk about a flavor explosion!

For a seasonal twist, try adding chopped apples and cranberries to your **Bacon Cornbread Stuffing** during the fall months. This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing reminds me of another flavor explosion, and you should give my Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread a try! And let me tell you – It’s amazing!

FAQs:

Got questions about making the perfect Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little kick. You could even add some chopped jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables. I love experimenting with different spice levels!
• What if I don’t have creamed corn for my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? No problem! You can substitute with regular corn kernels mixed with a tablespoon of milk or cream. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it’ll still be delicious. Remember that the added moisture in your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing will affect the outcome so be weary!
• How do I know when my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is perfectly done? The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and lightly browned on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. I always err on the side of slightly underbaked to keep it nice and moist.
• Can I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• What kind of cornbread stuffing mix should I use for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? I prefer a slightly sweet cornbread mix, but you can use any kind you like. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite! I’ve even tried using homemade cornbread crumbs, and it was AMAZING!
• Can I add other vegetables to this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing? Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onion and celery.
• Is it okay if my stuffing is too moist? If your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing seems too moist before baking, add some more cornbread mix to soak up the excess liquid. You could also bake it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to help it dry out a bit.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this **Bacon Cornbread Stuffing** your own! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Your culinary adventure awaits! Also, this **Bacon Cornbread Stuffing** recipe reminds me of Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon | So Much Food, so maybe you should check it out as well!

CONCLUSION:

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic deliciousness, and a celebration in every bite! It’s the perfect dish to bring people together and create lasting memories.

My Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Power Tips:

1. Don’t skimp on the bacon! The more bacon, the better.
2. Sauté the vegetables until they’re nice and soft. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
3. Don’t overbake the stuffing! It should be heated through and lightly browned, but still moist.

Some Bacon Cornbread Stuffing variations I’ve created and loved include:

• Bacon Apple Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing: Add chopped apples and cranberries for a sweet and tart twist. It reminds me of the Bacon Apple Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Recipe | Savory Sweet Life recipe.
• Bacon Parmesan Cornbread Stuffing: Add grated Parmesan cheese for a salty and savory flavor boost. It is similar to Bacon Parmesan Cornbread Stuffing – On Ty’s Plate.
• Spicy Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

The Bacon Apple Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing always gets the biggest reactions! Seriously, people go crazy for it.

I’m confident that you can make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing your signature dish. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing and Turkey Crockpot Stuffing!

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start creating some Bacon Cornbread Stuffing memories! And don’t forget to share your results with me. I can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create! Let the flavor fiesta begin! 🔥🌮✨