Cornbread & Sausage Thanksgiving Dressing

What You'll Need

For the Cornbread:

• 1 ½ cups whole grain cornmeal (Bow & Arrow White or Yellow)

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)

• 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Dressing:

• 12 oz pasture-raised Italian sausage (sweet or mild)

• 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for texture and flavor

Let's Cook

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter or coconut oil.

2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and honey.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until just mixed. Pour into prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Let cornbread cool, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Veggies

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Add butter or olive oil to the skillet, sauté onions, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and sage and cook 1–2 minutes more.

Step 3: Combine Dressing Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornbread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and parsley.

2. Whisk together broth and eggs, then pour over cornbread mixture, tossing gently until evenly moistened.

3. If using, fold in cranberries or walnuts.

Step 4: Bake the Dressing

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (if not already on).

2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until top is lightly browned and set.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

• Pair with roasted vegetables, turkey, or enjoy on its own for a hearty, healthy meal.