Alright, come on in, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat! Today, we’re making my absolute favorite holiday side dish: Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Oh, this stuff is good. I’m not even kidding; this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is the stuff of legends in my family.

I still remember the first time I made it. It was Thanksgiving, years ago, and I was determined to impress my mother-in-law. She’s a fantastic cook, so the pressure was ON. I’d found this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe online, tweaked it a little (okay, maybe a lot!), and hoped for the best. Let me tell you, things did not go smoothly at first. I somehow managed to burn the bacon, and the cornbread was drier than the Sahara Desert. Disaster!

But, being me, I don’t give up easily! I salvaged what I could, made some quick adjustments, and crossed my fingers. And guess what? Everyone LOVED it! The smoky bacon, the slightly sweet cornbread, the savory herbs… it all just worked. It was a happy accident turned into a tradition, and now, Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.

Honestly, even on busy weeknights, sometimes I’ll whip up a simplified version of this. It’s just so comforting and satisfying. It reminds me of family, of warmth, and of that slightly stressful but ultimately rewarding Thanksgiving day. It’s become a comforting dish that my family adores and requests constantly.

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is more than just a recipe; it’s a story, a memory, a little piece of my heart on a plate. And I can’t wait to share it with you. Don’t worry about burning the bacon – I’ve got you covered with all my tips and tricks! I am sure you’ll find this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing to be a delicious addition to your holiday meals, much like my family has. It’s also great with a simple meal such as my Crockpot Stuffing recipe. So, let’s get started, shall we?

What You’ll Need for This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients! I always say that the key to good cooking is good ingredients, and that’s definitely true for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound bacon, cut into small pieces: I always use thick-cut bacon for my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. It just gives it that extra smoky flavor and holds its shape better when cooked.
1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
2 stalks celery, chopped: Don’t skip the celery! It adds a subtle but essential flavor.
1 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh is best for this!
1 teaspoon dried thyme: This adds that classic stuffing flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is another must-have for stuffing.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always a plus!
1 (15-ounce) can chicken broth: I use low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn: This adds moisture and a touch of sweetness. Trust me on this one!
1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions: You can use your favorite cornbread recipe, or a store-bought mix to save time.
6 cups cubed bread (stale is best): I like to use a combination of white bread and sourdough for a nice texture.
2 large eggs, beaten: These help bind everything together.
1/2 cup melted butter: Everything’s better with butter, right?

When making Bacon Cornbread Stuffing, you can usually find everything you need at your local grocery store. For the herbs, I like to check out the produce section for the freshest options. Here’s a Bacon Cornbread Stuffing trick I learned: if you’re short on time, you can buy pre-chopped veggies in the produce section. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

If you have leftover bacon from making this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can crumble it over salads, add it to omelets, or just snack on it straight from the container (don’t judge!). Using quality ingredients such as the ones above, I am sure that you’ll be enjoying delicious Bacon Cornbread Stuffing in no time! For another recipe using turkey, check out my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. It’s a hearty and flavorful twist!

Let’s Make This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Together

Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Let’s make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing together, step-by-step! I promise, it’s easier than it looks.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (trust me, you’ll want this!). I learned the hard way with Bacon Cornbread Stuffing that using too much bacon grease can make the stuffing greasy, so don’t overdo it!
Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and celery to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the parsley, thyme, sage, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the flavor of the stuffing. Your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing should smell like a holiday dream at this point!
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked cornbread (crumble it if it’s too dense), cubed bread, cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, creamed corn, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Don’t worry if your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing looks a little wet; it will all come together in the oven.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is set. In my kitchen, Bacon Cornbread Stuffing usually takes about 45 minutes total to bake, but oven times can vary, so keep an eye on it!
Let it rest: Let the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to firm up a bit.

While the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen and maybe sneak a little taste of the leftover bacon (shhh!). Also, feel free to listen to some holiday music to get you in the spirit of the season!

And there you have it! A delicious, homemade Bacon Cornbread Stuffing that will impress your family and friends. I love how versatile this dish is. I can add different herbs, use different types of bread, and even throw in some sausage for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless! Another great aspect of this dish is how the Savory bacon cornbread stuffing can complement anything else you cook up! For a great, similar option, feel free to check out this Best Cornbread Dressing with Bacon | Stress Baking!

How I Love to Serve This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Bacon Cornbread Stuffing… now what? Well, let me tell you how my family loves to enjoy it.

First and foremost, this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is a MUST-HAVE for Thanksgiving. It wouldn’t be the same without it! I usually serve it alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. It’s the perfect complement to all those classic holiday flavors.

But this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving! My family loves this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing when I make a roast chicken on a Sunday evening. It’s also great with pork chops or even just a simple salad.

When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple. I usually just scoop the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing into a serving dish and garnish it with a few sprigs of fresh parsley. You could also sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon on top for a pop of color and flavor.

If you have extra Bacon Cornbread Stuffing (which is rare in my house!), it makes fantastic leftovers. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, or get creative and use it in other dishes. This Easy bacon cornbread stuffing is also amazing with chicken! Get creative and have fun with it!

I’ve also experimented with seasonal Bacon Cornbread Stuffing variations. In the fall, I like to add diced apples and cranberries. In the winter, I sometimes throw in some chestnuts or dried apricots. It’s fun to change things up and see what new flavor combinations you can create. For a festive twist, you might enjoy this Bacon Apple Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Recipe | Savory Sweet Life!

Friends always ask for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and it’s always a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings. This dish always warms the hearts of those I cook for.

Your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. I know cooking can be intimidating, so I’m here to help!

Q: Can I make this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Q: Can I freeze this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?

A: Yes, you can! Bake the Bacon Cornbread Stuffing as directed, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven.

Q: What if my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is too dry?

A: If your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also try adding a bit more melted butter.

Q: What if my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is too wet?

A: If your Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is too wet, bake it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. You can also try adding some more cubed bread to absorb the extra liquid. You know what I do when my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing is too wet? I usually increase the oven temp to 400 degrees for the last 15 minutes so the moisture evaporates faster!

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?

A: Of course! I like to use a combination of white bread and sourdough, but you can use any type of bread you like. Just make sure it’s stale or slightly dried out so it doesn’t get too soggy.

Q: Can I add sausage to this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing?

A: Definitely! Brown some breakfast sausage or Italian sausage in the skillet along with the bacon. It adds a delicious savory flavor.

Q: My family doesn’t like creamed corn. Can I leave it out?

A: You can, but it does add a lot of moisture and sweetness to the stuffing. If you leave it out, you may need to add more chicken broth to compensate.

I’ve made all of these mistakes when making this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing, so don’t feel bad if you run into a snag! It’s all a part of the cooking process. My family is constantly requesting this Thanksgiving stuffing bacon cornbread, so trust me, you’ll want to make sure you can answer questions like these!

My Final Thoughts on This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does.

This Bacon Cornbread Stuffing recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of all the wonderful memories I’ve made with my family over the years. It’s a symbol of love, warmth, and togetherness, and I hope it brings you the same joy it brings me.

Here are a few of my Bacon Cornbread Stuffing Pro Tips:

Don’t skip the bacon grease! It adds so much flavor to the vegetables.
Use stale bread! This will prevent the stuffing from getting soggy.
Don’t overbake the stuffing! It should be golden brown and set, but still moist on the inside.

Here are a few Bacon Cornbread Stuffing variations you might like to try:

Spicy Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. My husband LOVES this version!
Sweet and Savory Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Add some dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty flavor.
Vegetarian Bacon Cornbread Stuffing: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. My son enjoys this version the most!

No matter how you make it, I hope this Bacon Cornbread Stuffing becomes a family favorite in your home, too. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. I really hope that your experience will be one to remember! You can also check out this similar recipe here: Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon | So Much Food. For a similar, amazing option, give this Bacon Cornbread Dressing a try, too!

Bacon Cornbread Stuffing

Print Recipe

This bacon cornbread stuffing is a savory and flavorful twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Crispy bacon, buttery cornbread, and aromatic vegetables combine to create a comforting and unforgettable stuffing.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
4 cups crumbled cornbread
2 cups cubed bread (stale preferred)
1 cup chicken broth, or more as needed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 large eggs, beaten

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Add onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in sage, thyme, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine creamed corn, cornbread, cubed bread, cooked bacon, and the onion-celery mixture.
Pour in chicken broth, adding more if needed to moisten the stuffing. Stir in parsley and beaten eggs.
Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pecans to the stuffing. You can also use sourdough bread for a tangier flavor.