Description
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing filled with smoky richness from smoked turkey bacon, moist crumbly cornbread, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This savory side dish blends plant-based ingredients and natural seasonings for a perfectly moist, flavorful, and comforting accompaniment to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 6 cups moist, crumbly homemade cornbread (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 cups warmed rich vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- 1 cup sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a mushroom medley
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts for nutty crunch
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist
Instructions
- Preparing the Cornbread: Start by baking or using leftover moist cornbread, crumbling it into a large bowl to create the ideal crumbly texture that forms the base of the dressing.
- Cooking Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a skillet, crisp the smoked turkey bacon. Then, add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers, sautéing in the rendered fat along with plant-based butter until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Combining Ingredients: Mix the cooked smoked turkey bacon and vegetables with the crumbled cornbread. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, sage, and thyme. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, then stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deepen the flavors.
- Adding Moisture and Binding: Gradually pour in the warmed vegetable broth, folding gently to evenly moisten the mixture. Add the natural gelling agent to help the dressing hold its structure while baking.
- Baking to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden brown and the interior is hot and set, about 45-55 minutes. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Use slightly stale or day-old cornbread for the best texture that absorbs broth perfectly without becoming soggy.
- Gently fold ingredients to avoid overmixing and keep the dressing light and fluffy.
- Add broth slowly to maintain a moist yet not wet consistency.
- Fresh herbs like sage and thyme are essential for authentic aromatic flavor.
- Let the dressing mixture rest for at least 10 minutes before baking to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Southern cornbread dressing, smoked turkey bacon dressing, gluten-free stuffing, plant-based cornbread dressing, holiday side dish
