Thanksgiving Cornbread

Traditionally, cornbread stuffing requires making cornbread, cubing it and letting it dry out, mixing it with stock, eggs, meat, and aromatics, then transforming it into a stuffing (or dressing). This process produces some truly memorable casseroles, but I have an alternative that streamlines the process without compromising flavor: stuffing cornbread. It still smells enticingly like the classic Thanksgiving side as you set the baking dish on the table. I’ve still packed in a medley of woodsy herbs, sweet onions, vegetal peppers, and savory sausage. And it still slices into lofty servings to perch on your plate next to the sweet potatoes and green beans. It just takes half as long to make.The intentional two-to-one ratio of cornmeal to flour in this cornbread results in a moist, tender crumb that still has enough structure to hold up against the sturdy mix-ins. The sugar might seem like a lot, but it balances out the savory sausage and aromatics perfectly.For more Thanksgiving recipes, tips, menus, and inspiration, head to our 2026 Thanksgiving Hub.