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Creole Cornbread Stuffing

Source of Recipe

From "Emeril's Potluck" by Emeril Lagasse


Recipe Introduction

"The secret to making top-notch cornbread stuffing is to start with leftover cornbread or fresh cornbread that has been dried in the oven. That way you end up with just the right amount of bite in your stuffing instead of a soggy mess. This one has all the classic Creole ingredients and it goes especially well with fried turkey."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 12 cups cornbread, broken into 1-inch pieces
â—¦ ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
â—¦ 4 cups chicken stock, or canned low-sodium chicken broth
â—¦ 1 cup heavy cream
â—¦ 1 cup milk
â—¦ 2 large eggs
â—¦ 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence
â—¦ 1 pound andouille sausage or other smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
â—¦ 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
â—¦ 3 cups chopped yellow onions
â—¦ 2 cups chopped celery
â—¦ 2 cups chopped green bell peppers
â—¦ 1 teaspoon salt
â—¦ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ Pinch of cayenne pepper
â—¦ 2 tablespoons minced garlic
â—¦ 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 250° F. Spread the cornbread in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake until dry and crispy, about 45 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Increase the oven temperature to 400° F. Grease a 10 by 15-inch baking dish or two 9-inch square baking dishes with the butter.

Combine the chicken stock, cream, milk, eggs, and 1 tablespoon Essence in a large bowl and whisk to blend. Add the dried cornbread and stir to mix, breaking up the pieces with a wooden spoon. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet or medium pot over high heat. Add the andouille and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, remaining 2 teaspoons Essence, the salt, black pepper, and cayenne and stir to mix. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and add to the cornbread mixture. Stir to mix well. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake until golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Cool if using as stuffing or serve warm as a side dish.

Makes 10 to 12 servings