Name: Thanksgiving Budget Cornbread Stuffing Under $20 Feeds 8
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 boxes (8.5 oz each) corn muffin mix, baked and cooled (or 1 large pan of homemade budget cornbread); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 stalks celery, diced; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (store-brand works great); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Ingredients

Scale

2 boxes (8.5 oz each) corn muffin mix, baked and cooled (or 1 large pan of homemade budget cornbread)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (store-brand works great)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Base
Start by crumbling your pre-baked and cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl. You want a mix of small crumbs and larger, bite-sized chunks to create a varied texture. If the cornbread feels too moist, spread the chunks on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps the bread soak up the broth without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper during the last minute of cooking. This “blooms” the dried herbs, releasing their oils and deepening the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Pour the sautéed vegetable and butter mixture over the crumbled cornbread in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together. In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs into the broth. Slowly pour the liquid mixture over the cornbread. Fold the ingredients together gently using a large spatula. Ensure every piece of bread is moistened, but avoid over-mixing, which can make the stuffing dense.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp while the center remains moist and tender.

Cook Time: 1 hour