My Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing is the ultimate modern twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. This flavorful recipe combines savory Mexican chorizo, golden brown cornbread cubes, and aromatic fresh herbs to create a delicious and comforting stuffing. Perfect for the holiday season, this stuffing recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving dinner or any festive meal. Itโs simple enough to prepare on a weeknight but special enough to make your Thanksgiving meal memorable. Iโm confident youโll love this spicy chorizo cornbread stuffing โ itโs the perfect addition to your comfort zone!

Iโm a huge fan of festive recipes, and this Chorizo Corn bread Stuffing has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. I love how the spicy chorizo and golden brown cornbread come together to create such a flavorful and comforting side dish. For a modern twist on traditional stuffing, I use chicken stock to infuse the cornbread with extra depth of flavor and fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous touch. This recipe is special to me because itโs a delicious addition to Thanksgiving dinner, and itโs a great way to make any meal feel extra special. Iโm excited for you to try it and make it your own!
Looking for more stuffing recipes? Try my classic sausage stuffing, croissant stuffing, stuffing-stuffed chicken breasts, sourdough stuffing, and onion and sage stuffing.
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๐ Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful! This Chorizo Corn bread Stuffing combines savory Mexican chorizo and golden brown cornbread for a truly delicious side dish. Itโs a comforting blend of flavors that will elevate any Thanksgiving dinner or holiday meal!
- Easy and Quick to Prepare! With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this stuffing recipe is a breeze to make. It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals!
๐ฅ Ingredients
- Mexican Chorizo โ This spicy chorizo sausage is the star of the stuffing, bringing a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of heat. It adds depth and a satisfying bite, making the stuffing both hearty and flavorful. Opt for high-quality Mexican chorizo for the best taste, and cook it until well-browned to enhance its flavor.
- Garlic โ Minced garlic imparts a robust, aromatic essence to the stuffing, complementing the chorizo and vegetables. It adds a savory depth that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Onion โ Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the stuffing. When sautรฉed, onions become tender and caramelized, bringing a deliciously rich flavor to the mix.
- Carrot โ Peeled and diced carrots contribute a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the stuffing. Their natural sugars caramelize during cooking, adding a layer of flavor that balances the spiciness of the chorizo.
- Celery โ Diced celery adds a crisp texture and a hint of freshness to the stuffing. It complements the other vegetables and chorizo, providing a well-rounded flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Cornbread โ Diced cornbread serves as the base of the stuffing, offering a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that absorbs the flavorful chicken stock and chorizo juices. Use either homemade or store-bought cornbread, and make sure itโs cut into small pieces for the best texture.
- Fresh Cilantro โ Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and a fresh, herbaceous note to the stuffing. It enhances the flavor of the chorizo and vegetables, making the dish more vibrant and aromatic.
- Chicken Stock โ Chicken stock provides a savory, rich liquid that helps bind the stuffing together. It adds depth of flavor and ensures the cornbread mixture remains moist and flavorful. Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control the seasoning.
- Kosher Salt โ Kosher salt enhances the flavors of the chorizo, vegetables, and cornbread. Itโs essential for seasoning the stuffing to taste, ensuring a balanced and well-seasoned dish.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper โ Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the stuffing. It complements the spiciness of the chorizo and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
๐ช Instructions
Cook the Chorizo: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add ยฝ cup of Mexican chorizo and cook until browned and fully crumbled, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the chorizo cooks evenly.
Sautรฉ the Vegetables: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced onion, 1 peeled and diced carrot, and 1 diced stalk of celery to the skillet with the chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the Cornbread Mixture: In the same skillet, stir in 2 cups of diced cornbread and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Pour in ยฝ cup of chicken stock and mix until everything is well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly coat an 8ร8 baking dish or casserole dish with nonstick spray. Transfer the cornbread mixture from the skillet to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Bake the Stuffing: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until the stuffing is heated through and the top is lightly golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ Chef's Tips
- Use Fresh Chorizo โ For the best flavor and texture, use fresh Mexican chorizo rather than pre-cooked or dried varieties. Fresh chorizo will add a juicy, spicy kick to the stuffing and integrate better with the other ingredients.
- Keep the Cornbread Cubes Even โ Ensure the cornbread is cut into uniform cubes. This helps the cornbread cook evenly and absorb the chicken stock properly, resulting in a well-textured stuffing.
- Season to Taste โ Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed. The amount of salt and pepper can vary based on the saltiness of the chicken stock and the spiciness of the chorizo.
- Allow for Cooling Time โ After baking, let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop out of the dish.
๐ Substitutions & Variations
Different Chorizo โ If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute the Mexican chorizo with Spanish chorizo or even a milder sausage. Spanish chorizo will offer a slightly different, less spicy flavor, while a milder sausage will tone down the heat but still provide a rich, savory base.
Different Bread โ For a unique twist, try using sourdough or rye bread instead of cornbread. Sourdough will add a tangy flavor and chewy texture, while rye offers a deeper, earthy taste. Make sure to cut the bread into small pieces for the best texture.
Add More Vegetables โ To increase the vegetable content, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms. These additions will enhance the stuffing with more layers of flavor and texture, making it even more hearty and satisfying.
Lower the Heat โ If you want to reduce the spiciness, you can replace the chorizo with a milder sausage or use less chorizo. This will keep the stuffing flavorful without the extra kick, making it more suitable for those who prefer a milder dish.
Herb Variations โ Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of cilantro. Parsley offers a fresh, clean taste, while thyme adds a subtle earthy note, giving the stuffing a new dimension of flavor.

๐ด Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing โ A bold, fruity Zinfandel complements the savory, spicy flavors of chorizo cornbread stuffing. For a lighter choice, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce โ Pair the stuffing with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries complements the savory stuffing beautifully, adding a festive touch.
Roasted Turkey โ Complete your meal by serving the stuffing alongside succulent roasted turkey. The rich, flavorful turkey pairs perfectly with the stuffing, creating a classic Thanksgiving combination.
Top with Gravy โ Drizzle your favorite gravy over the stuffing for added richness. The smooth, savory gravy enhances the stuffing's flavors and adds a comforting, indulgent touch.
๐ญ Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare this stuffing ahead of time. To do so, follow the recipe up to the point where you add the mixture to the baking dish. Once the mixture is assembled, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it is heated through and golden brown on top.
Absolutely! While this recipe uses Mexican chorizo for its spiciness and rich flavor, you can substitute it with Spanish chorizo or another type of chorizo sausage if you prefer. Just keep in mind that Spanish chorizo is typically less spicy and more cured, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If using a different type of chorizo, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the stuffing.
๐ฅฃ Storage & Reheating
Storage: This Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it's completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
Freezing: To freeze, place the stuffing in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, portion out the stuffing into meal-sized servings before freezing.
Thawing: To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. For reheating, place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture.
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๐ฅ Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
๐ Recipe
Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing (Mexican Corn Bread Dressing)
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Equipment
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press (optional)
- 8ร8 baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup chorizo
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 2 cups diced cornbread homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- ยฝ cup chicken stock
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly coat an 8ร8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook Chorizo: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced cornbread, chopped cilantro, and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Transfer the cornbread mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake until heated through and lightly browned on top, about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
๐ก๏ธ Food safety
- Pork - Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 ยฐF (74 ยฐC)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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