There’s something magical about the combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and golden cornbread. This Sausage and Apple Cornbread Bake brings together all those comforting flavors into a single, satisfying dish—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a simple dinner.
The balance of juicy sausage, tender apples, and warm, buttery cornbread makes this recipe a go-to comfort meal that feels like a warm embrace on a cool day.
This version is sized perfectly for an 8×8-inch pan, making it great for smaller gatherings or a cozy meal with leftovers to enjoy later. Let’s dive into this delicious, homey bake that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Sausage and Apple Filling:
- ½ pound pork sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness and flavor)
For the Cornbread Topping:
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage and Apple Filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ½ pound of sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving a bit of the drippings in the pan for added flavor.
Next, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt before tossing in the diced onions. Cook the onions until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the onions are fragrant, add the diced apples, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the apples cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they soften slightly but still retain some bite.
Once the apples are tender and well-coated in the warm cinnamon spice, return the cooked sausage to the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until everything is just incorporated.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cornbread instead of the soft, moist texture we want.
3. Assemble and Bake
To assemble the bake, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the sausage and apple mixture evenly at the bottom of the pan, ensuring that every bite will be packed with flavor. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the sausage filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Place the dish into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into portions.
This quick resting time allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving much easier.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage and Apple Cornbread Bake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing side. A simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the bake.
For a heartier breakfast or brunch, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for an even more indulgent meal. If you’re looking to elevate the sweetness, drizzle a little bit of honey or maple syrup over your slice—it perfectly enhances the apple’s natural sweetness while adding an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because it’s so delicious), storing and reheating this bake is simple.
Once cooled, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
If you’d like to make this meal ahead of time, it also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm as desired.
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