Bacon Sage Cornbread Stuffing

Timing is integral to making stuffing. Make this a day or two ahead of time, then pop it in the oven when the turkey comes out. It will cook in the amount of time it takes the turkey to rest and then be carved.

By Marge Perry & David Bonom

Yield:
12 Servings
Cuisine:
American
Course:
Side Dish
Skill Level:
Moderate

Ingredients

2 Eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup Milk
2 8.5-oz box Corn Muffin Mix
7 slices Hickory-smoked Bacon
2 cups Onion, chopped
2 cups Carrots, chopped in 1/4-inch pieces
2 cups Celery, chopped in 1/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Fresh Sage, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 cup Madeira
1 15-oz can Lower Sodium Chicken Broth

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Combine the eggs and milk; stir in the cornbread mixture until it is well incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool. Crumble the cornbread into 1-inch and smaller pieces and place on a baking sheet pan; toast in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes until lightly crisped. May be made 3-5 days before making the rest of the stuffing.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet. Transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towel and let cool before crumbling.
Add the onions to the skillet; cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the carrots, celery, sage, salt and pepper and cook until vegetables are very soft, 13-15 minutes. Add the Madeira and cook, stirring until the liquid is evaporated, about 2-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with the bacon and cornbread.
Transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. May be kept, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Just before serving, pour the broth evenly over the stuffing. Bake in a 325°F-350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the stuffing heated through.