Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore this Bundt Pan Corn Bread Dressing. Picture this: it’s Thanksgiving Day, the kitchen is filled with laughter and the unmistakable smell of good food wafting through the air. This dressing has become my secret crowd-pleaser, and frankly, who could resist the charm of a Bundt pan? I mean, it just looks so fancy, even if it’s super easy to make!
Every time I whip up this delightful dish, I’m transported back to my childhood, when my grandma would bring her famous stuffing to family gatherings. She always had a knack for elevating simple ingredients into something heavenly, and this recipe is no different. The buttery cornbread combined with fresh herbs and veggies creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday feasting or any cozy dinner.
What’s in Bundt Pan Corn Bread Dressing?
Let’s chat about the star-studded cast of ingredients that make this dressing shine:
Cornbread: The base of this dish! Make sure it’s crumbled for the perfect texture. You can use homemade or store-bought, just be sure it’s delicious.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is what brings moisture and flavor. I love using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Unsalted Butter: We’re getting that richness and flavor from the butter, and unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
Onion: Diced and sautéed until soft and translucent. It’s the foundation of flavor in so many dishes!
Celery: Adds a crunch and freshness that balances out the cornbread.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and fresh flavor. If it’s not in season, you can swap it out with dried parsley, but fresh is best!
Sage and Thyme: These herbs add that wonderful earthy aroma. Dried herbs work fine, but if you can get your hands on fresh, definitely use them!
Black Pepper and Salt: Essential seasoning that ties everything together. Make sure to taste as you go!
Eggs: The binder that holds all the ingredients together. They provide a nice fluffiness to the texture.
Milk: Creamy goodness that provides moisture and helps meld the flavors.
Is Bundt Pan Corn Bread Dressing Good for You?
Now, we all know that holiday dishes can be a bit indulgent, but this dressing does carry some wholesome benefits!
Cornbread is often made from whole grain cornmeal, which provides fiber, making it better for digestion.
Onions and celery are fairly low in calories but high in vitamins and nutrients. They add delightful flavor without piling on the calories.
However, do watch out for the butter and salt – moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can easily swap out half the butter for olive oil if you’re going for a lighter version.
And hey, if you’re looking to bulk it up, consider adding some protein like cooked sausage or mushrooms. They bring extra flavor and make this dish even heartier!
Ingredients
– 4 cups corn bread, crumbled
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 teaspoons sage (dried or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup milk
This recipe serves about 8 people, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or leftovers (which I always hope for!).
How to Make Bundt Pan Corn Bread Dressing?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled corn bread with the sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, and chicken or vegetable broth.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the corn bread mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
6. Grease a Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully spoon the dressing mixture into the pan, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting the Bundt pan onto a serving platter to release the dressing.
Serving Suggestions and Secret Tips
Now, here’s where you can get really creative! You can customize this dressing by adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even dried fruits for a unique twist. If you want to amp up the flavor, drizzle some gravy over the top when serving. Your guests will be so impressed – they’ll think you’re a culinary wizard!
So go ahead, give this Bundt Pan Corn Bread Dressing a whirl at your next gathering. I promise you’ll be met with smiles and full bellies. And if you happen to try it out, I would absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
