Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food mashup that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! 🔥 This Cornbread Florentine Sausage Bake is not just another recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the hearty goodness of cornbread, the richness of sausage, and the nutritious kick of spinach into one mouthwatering dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to be your new go-to meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g sausage
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup cheese
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. The batter should have a consistent texture without lumps.
- Roughly chop the fresh spinach and gently fold it into the cornmeal mixture. Add the cooked sausage and shredded cheese, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create a uniform layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cornbread should be golden brown on top and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cornbread to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into squares and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh chopped spinach or a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Tips
- Choose high-quality sausage: The flavor of your dish depends greatly on the sausage, so opt for a variety with good seasoning.
- Prevent a dry cornbread: Don't overmix the batter, and be careful not to overbake. Check doneness with the knife test to ensure a moist result.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Customize your greens: If spinach isn't your favorite, try kale or Swiss chard as alternative nutritious options.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared earlier in the day and refrigerated, then baked when you're ready to eat.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the rich, hearty flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
