Why You’ll Love this Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing
When you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together tradition and incredible flavor, this Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing is exactly what you need.
It’s a beautiful marriage of cornbread with cream-style corn, savory chicken gizzards, and aromatic vegetables.
I love how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
The chicken broth soaks into that homemade cornbread, creating a moist texture that still browns beautifully on top.
And those gizzards? They add a depth of flavor you simply can’t get from other stuffings.
No holiday table feels complete without this dish nearby, ready to complement your main course perfectly.
What Ingredients are in Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing?
This Southern soul-warming cornbread stuffing brings together the perfect balance of sweet cornbread with savory ingredients to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
What makes this recipe special is how it uses traditional Southern ingredients in a way that creates layers of flavor and texture. The combination of homemade cornbread (made with cream-style corn instead of milk) and those wonderfully savory chicken gizzards creates something that’s so much more than just a side dish.
- 1 (8½ ounce) box cornbread mix
- 14 ounces cream-style corn
- 1 egg (for the cornbread)
- 2 celery ribs, diced small
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- 4 ounces chicken gizzards, chopped fine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1-2 tablespoons Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 2 minced fresh garlic cloves
- A touch of oil (for cooking the gizzards)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the cornbread mix and chicken gizzards. Fresh celery and onion provide the aromatic base that makes this stuffing so fragrant, while the garlic adds just the right punch of flavor.
Don’t skip the cream-style corn – it’s what gives this cornbread stuffing its unique moisture and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
And remember, this recipe allows for some flexibility with the seasoned salt, so you can adjust to your taste preferences.
How to Make this Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing
The magic of this cornbread stuffing starts with a clever twist on traditional cornbread. Instead of following the standard package directions, you’ll prepare your 8½ ounce box of cornbread mix by replacing the milk with 14 ounces of cream-style corn and adding the required egg. This simple substitution creates a moist, slightly sweet base that’s perfect for soaking up all those savory flavors later. Once baked, set it aside and let it cool while you prepare the other components.
Next comes the part that really sets this stuffing apart—those flavorful chicken gizzards. Season about 4 ounces of finely chopped gizzards with 1-2 tablespoons of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (depending on how robust you want the flavor), then brown them in a pan with just enough oil to prevent sticking. The secret here? Don’t drain the cooking liquid! It contains concentrated flavor that will distribute throughout your stuffing.
While the gizzards cook, dice 2 celery ribs into small pieces, finely chop 1 medium onion, and mince 2 fresh garlic cloves—these aromatics create the foundation of flavor that makes this stuffing so irresistible. A quality cheese grater can help you mince garlic quickly and uniformly for even distribution of flavor.
For assembly, crumble the cooled cornbread into a large baking dish, keeping the pieces irregular but not too small. You want texture, not breadcrumbs! Add the cooked gizzards with all their flavorful juices, then scatter in the prepared celery, onion, and garlic. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth evenly over everything, then gently toss with your fingers to distribute the moisture throughout without breaking down the cornbread too much.
For perfect results, use a premium meat thermometer to ensure the center of your stuffing reaches 165°F for food safety while achieving the ideal texture.
The final step is to bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, just until the liquid is absorbed and the top develops a slight golden-brown crust. The result? A stuffing with crispy edges, a tender center, and layers of flavor in every bite.
Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing Substitutions and Variations
While traditional cornbread stuffing warms both heart and table, adapting the recipe to suit your pantry or dietary needs doesn’t mean sacrificing that authentic Southern flavor.
No gizzards? Substitute diced chicken thighs or even smoked sausage for that savory depth.
Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and add mushrooms sautéed in butter—they’ll provide that umami goodness.
Gluten-free friends? Look for cornbread mix without wheat flour, or make your own from scratch with cornmeal.
For a spicier version, I’d toss in diced jalapeños or replace the seasoned salt with Cajun spice.
Sweet-tooth cravings? A tablespoon of honey works wonders.
What to Serve with Southern Soul-Warming Cornbread Stuffing
Wondering what pairs perfectly with that soul-warming cornbread stuffing you just mastered? This southern classic deserves worthy companions on your dinner table.
I’d recommend serving it alongside a succulent roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham. Those savory meat juices? Heaven when they mingle with the cornbread’s texture.
Add some tangy cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole for a complete feast.
Don’t forget the gravy, folks—a rich giblet gravy makes this stuffing sing.
And what about beverages? Sweet tea is traditional, but a glass of crisp white wine works beautifully with those savory gizzard notes.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve explored the perfect pairings, let’s wrap up this cornbread stuffing journey.
This classic Southern recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly magical at your dinner table. The secret lies in that perfect balance of textures—crumbly yet moist cornbread, tender vegetables, and those surprisingly delicious gizzards.
I love how versatile this stuffing can be. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or even add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet-savory twist.
Whatever your variation, remember that good stuffing takes time to develop those flavors. Worth every minute, though.
Your family will request this recipe for years to come.
