Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of sizzling sausage, golden cornbread, and fresh herbs mingling together in one warm, rustic skillet. This Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet is more than just a side dish. It’s cozy, hearty, and practically begging to be the star of your festive table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to bring some holiday magic to a weeknight dinner, this dish wraps everything you love about the season into one spoonful.

Behind the Recipe

Growing up, stuffing always felt like the unsung hero of the holiday table. While the turkey got all the attention, it was the stuffing that brought everyone back for seconds. My family had a tradition of transforming leftover cornbread into something truly magical — and this skillet version is a playful, easy take on that legacy. It brings all the familiar flavors but with fewer dishes and even more personality.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Stuffing, also known in some regions as dressing, has deep roots in global cuisine. Ancient Romans were some of the first to write about stuffing meats with spiced mixtures of vegetables, herbs, and grains. In the United States, cornbread stuffing is especially beloved in the South, where the use of day-old cornbread makes use of leftovers and brings that signature rustic texture and sweetness. Skillet-style stuffing adds a modern twist, perfect for casual entertaining or streamlined holiday cooking.

Why You’ll Love Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet

This dish really earns its spot on your table for so many reasons.

Versatile: Whether you serve it alongside turkey or as the centerpiece for a vegetarian feast (just skip the sausage), this skillet stuffing adapts beautifully.

Budget-Friendly: Cornbread, broth, and a few pantry staples come together to make something truly comforting without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to stuff a bird or juggle multiple pans. Just sauté, mix, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, dried cranberries, or even swap the sausage for a plant-based version — it’s yours to play with.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the crispy edges and soft, flavorful middle — trust me, there won’t be leftovers.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep everything the night before and just pop it in the oven when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Heat up a slice for breakfast with a fried egg on top. You’ll thank me later.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Let’s get you to stuffing greatness.

• Dry Out the Cornbread: Day-old or oven-dried cornbread gives the best texture, soaking up the broth without getting soggy.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Let it develop a nice crust for deeper flavor throughout the dish.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the stuffing fluffy, not mushy.
• Let It Rest: Give it 10 minutes after baking to settle before serving.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Sage and thyme make all the difference with their aromatic punch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets — just these basics.

Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for sautéing and baking in one dish with even heat.

Mixing Bowls: For combining the cornbread, eggs, and broth mixture.

Wooden Spoon: Ideal for folding ingredients together gently.

Whisk: To mix eggs and broth evenly before pouring over the stuffing.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with liquids and seasonings.

Ingredients in Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet

The beauty of this dish lies in how the flavors and textures work together. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cornbread Cubes: 6 cups, preferably day-old. This forms the base and adds that signature sweetness.
2. Ground Sausage: 1 pound. Adds richness and savory depth.
3. Onion: 1 medium, diced. Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation.
4. Celery: 3 stalks, diced. Adds crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
5. Fresh Sage: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped. Earthy and festive.
6. Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, leaves only. Lends brightness and balance.
7. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Adds bold, aromatic flavor.
8. Eggs: 2 large. Helps bind everything together.
9. Chicken Broth: 2 cups. Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
10. Butter: 4 tablespoons. Used for sautéing and richness.
11. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances all the savory notes.
12. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. A little kick to balance the richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is friendly and flexible.

Cornbread: Crusty country bread or sourdough cubes.

Sausage: Plant-based sausage or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth for a lighter taste or if you’re keeping it vegetarian.

Butter: Olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs in smaller quantities (1 teaspoon dried = 1 tablespoon fresh).

Ingredient Spotlight

Cornbread: Its slightly sweet, crumbly texture soaks up all the savory goodness and creates golden edges when baked.

Fresh Sage: This herb brings a woodsy, peppery flavor that defines classic holiday stuffing and adds an aromatic warmth to every bite.

Instructions for Making Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet

This part is where the magic happens. Get ready to bring it all together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready once everything is assembled.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and broth. Add the cubed cornbread and let it soak gently.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Add the sautéed mixture to the cornbread. Sprinkle in the herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the cornbread too much.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Transfer the mixture back to the skillet. Spread evenly and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let it cool slightly before garnishing with extra herbs if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Scoop into warm bowls or cut into wedges. Serve with gravy or a side salad for a cozy plate.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This stuffing has it all. The crisp golden edges contrast beautifully with the moist, savory center. The sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the saltiness of sausage and the gentle earthiness of sage and thyme. Each bite brings layers of softness, crunch, and spice that keep you coming back for more.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Making this dish shine is easier with a few insider moves.

• Use day-old cornbread or toast it in the oven to avoid sogginess.
• Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics first — it deepens the flavor.
• Taste the sausage before seasoning — some are salty enough already.

What to Avoid

Even great recipes can go sideways. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overmixing the cornbread — leads to a gummy texture.
• Using too much broth — can make the dish overly wet.
• Undercooking the sausage — it should be fully browned for best flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 310
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily prep this the night before. Just assemble everything in the skillet, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 30 minutes to come to room temp before placing in the oven. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze baked stuffing — just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet

Serve it alongside roast turkey, glazed carrots, or green beans for a festive spread. It’s also amazing with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of homemade gravy. Want to mix things up? Try serving it with a poached egg for a savory brunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

• Slice and pan-fry for crispy stuffing squares.
• Crumble into soup as a hearty topping.
• Reheat and stuff into a baked sweet potato.
• Turn into stuffing muffins using a cupcake tin.

Additional Tips

• Add a splash of cream to the egg mixture for an extra-rich bite.
• Sprinkle a little parmesan on top for a golden cheesy crust.
• Double the batch and bake one in a casserole dish for easy sharing.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Serve your stuffing straight from the cast iron skillet for that cozy, rustic look. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or sage and a light drizzle of browned butter for extra shine and flavor.

Variations to Try

• Cranberry Walnut: Add chopped walnuts and dried cranberries for a sweet crunch.
• Mushroom Herb: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and add rosemary.
• Spicy Chorizo: Use spicy chorizo and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Apple Sage: Stir in diced apples for a sweet-savory twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Fold in shredded sharp cheddar before baking.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes, just make sure it’s dry enough or toast it briefly to firm it up.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious plant-based version.

Q3: How do I prevent soggy stuffing?
Use day-old cornbread and don’t overdo the broth. A good balance is key.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or divide into two baking dishes.

Q5: Can I freeze the stuffing?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q6: Can I use boxed stuffing mix?
You could, but cornbread gives a better texture and flavor.

Q7: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use dried, but reduce the amount. About 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh.

Q8: Do I need to grease the skillet?
No need if you sauté the sausage and veggies in butter first — it naturally coats the pan.

Q9: Can I add cheese?
Definitely. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or parmesan adds great flavor.

Q10: What type of sausage is best?
A mildly seasoned pork sausage works best, but feel free to use spicy or even chicken sausage.

Conclusion

This Easy & Delicious Holiday Stuffing Skillet brings the warmth, comfort, and flavor of the holidays to every bite. With crispy edges, a soft savory center, and a mix of herbs and sausage that makes your whole kitchen smell incredible, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned holiday cook, this recipe is one of those no-fail, always-loved classics. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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