Golden, crumbly cornbread stuffed with herbs, garlic, and buttery vegetables — baked until crisp on top and soft inside. The Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is the ideal side dish for any gathering, from Thanksgiving to family dinners. It’s a standout option thanks to its rich flavor and delightful texture, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this stuffing can be made even by beginner cooks.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs, garlic, and buttery vegetables creates a mouthwatering taste that enhances any meal.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays or as a comforting side for weeknight dinners, this recipe fits various occasions seamlessly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves 10 people, making it great for gatherings where everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it uniquely yours!
Tools and Preparation
To make the Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spilling.
- Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of the stuffing.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables quickly while retaining their flavor.

Ingredients
Golden, crumbly cornbread stuffed with herbs, garlic, and buttery vegetables — baked until crisp on top and soft inside. The kind of side dish that outshines the main course.
For the Cornbread
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt or buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp mild honey
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Stuffing
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp each olive oil + butter)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp rubbed sage (or 2 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1½ tsp dried)
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- Black pepper
- Double batch of cornbread, crumbled
- ½ cup milk (more if needed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for baking separately)
How to Make Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking your cornbread until golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
- In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt or buttermilk, milk, and honey until smooth.
- Combine both mixtures until just blended.
Step 3: Bake the Cornbread
- Melt butter in a hot skillet.
- Pour in the batter evenly across the pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling afterward.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat:
* Add olive oil (or butter).
* Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
Step 5: Mix Ingredients for Stuffing
In a large bowl:
* Combine crumbled cornbread with sautéed vegetables.
* Add herbs, milk, salt, pepper as per taste.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the mixture into a buttered dish:
* Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 30 minutes.
* Uncover during the last 10 minutes for extra crispness.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing while warm!
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
This cornbread stuffing is a delightful addition to any meal, especially during festive occasions. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect companion for many main dishes.
Pair with Roasted Chicken
- This juicy roasted chicken complements the savory flavors of the stuffing beautifully.
Serve with Grilled Turkey
- Grilled turkey adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the buttery cornbread stuffing.
Accompany with Beef Roast
- The hearty taste of a beef roast enhances the dish’s rich profile, making for a satisfying meal.
Add a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad balances the richness of the stuffing and provides a crisp texture.
Enjoy with Vegetable Medley
- A light sautéed vegetable medley can add color and nutrition to your plate while harmonizing with the stuffing.
How to Perfect Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Achieving the perfect cornbread stuffing requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you elevate your dish.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and sage provide vibrant flavors compared to dried ones.
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Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sautéing vegetables before adding them enhances their sweetness and overall flavor profile.
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Adjust Consistency: If your mixture seems too dry, add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
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Bake it Right: Ensure even baking by using a buttered dish and covering it initially, then uncovering towards the end for a crispy top.
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Cool Before Mixing: Let the cornbread cool before crumbling it into your mixture; this helps maintain its texture.
Best Side Dishes for Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving your cornbread stuffing alongside these delicious side dishes.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting classic.
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Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds offer a crunchy contrast to the soft stuffing.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and balances the savory flavors beautifully.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil enhance both taste and presentation.
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Sweet Potato Casserole: Sweet potatoes baked with marshmallows provide a sweet counterpoint to savory dishes.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Not using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Always opt for fresh when available.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring the resting time: Allow your cornbread to cool before crumbling it. This helps create the right texture for stuffing.
- Insufficient seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking. Adjust salt and pepper to ensure the flavors pop in your stuffing.
- Skipping the butter on top: Adding butter on top before baking enhances browning and flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.
Freezing Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best if used within 2–3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat with a little butter or oil, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe:
Can I make Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for milk in this recipe?
You can use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk if you prefer.
How do I customize my Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe?
Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, cranberries, or different vegetables based on your taste preferences!
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! The Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe makes a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. With its golden crust and tender interior, it’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients; there’s no limit to how you can make it uniquely yours!
Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort of homemade Pioneer Woman Cornbread Stuffing, a delightful side dish that elevates any meal. This golden, crumbly stuffing combines cornbread with fresh herbs, garlic, and buttery vegetables, baked to perfection for a crispy top and soft interior. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or holiday feasts, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser that brings joy to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt or buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp mild honey
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp each olive oil + butter)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp rubbed sage (or 2 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1½ tsp dried)
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- Black pepper
- Double batch of cornbread, crumbled
- ½ cup milk (more if needed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for baking separately)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt (or buttermilk), milk, and honey until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
- Melt butter in a skillet; pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened; combine with crumbled cornbread and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Transfer stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish; cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Uncover for the last 10 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
- Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 315mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruit like cranberries for additional flavor. Ensure the vegetables are sautéed adequately before mixing into the stuffing for enhanced sweetness.




