Delicious 3-Point Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing: Your Ultimate Low-Point Holiday Side Dish
The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebration, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. Among the festive spread, a hearty and flavorful stuffing often takes center stage. If you’re searching for a go-to recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or your health goals, this incredible 3-point Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing is precisely what you need. It’s a delightful dish that offers all the comforting flavors you crave without derailing your progress, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table or a cozy weeknight dinner.
This exquisite cornbread dressing is brimming with warm, aromatic, and herbaceous flavors. The classic trio of sage, rosemary, and thyme infuses every bite with a traditional holiday essence that will transport you straight to festive memories. Complementing these fragrant herbs are the timeless combination of sautéed onions and celery, which provide a savory depth and a pleasant texture that pairs magnificently with the tender, crumbled cornbread. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to satisfy your palate and nourish your body.
What truly elevates this recipe is the homemade cornbread. Forget the store-bought, pre-made varieties; crafting your own cornbread from scratch is surprisingly easy, low in points, and yields an incomparably fresh and flavorful base for your stuffing. The simplicity of its preparation and baking means you can quickly get it done, allowing you more time to focus on assembling the stuffing and enjoying the process. The difference that homemade cornbread makes in the final taste and texture of your stuffing is truly remarkable, adding a rustic charm and superior quality that elevates the entire dish.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a grand holiday feast, this recipe is easily scalable. You can effortlessly double or even triple the ingredients to accommodate a larger crowd, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this wholesome and delicious side. And if you’re seeking inspiration for what to serve alongside this healthy stuffing, our extensive dinner recipes collection offers a plethora of comforting favorites. Imagine pairing this stuffing with a savory Glazed Turkey Ham, a succulent Pork Tenderloin, or a simple yet satisfying Turkey Meatloaf. Each pairing promises a delicious, Weight Watchers-friendly meal that is both satisfying and guilt-free.
Why This Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing is a Must-Try
This Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just another recipe; it’s a smart choice for delicious, health-conscious eating, especially during celebratory times. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your menu:
- It’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. When the holidays roll around, traditional stuffing can often be high in calories and points. This recipe offers a fantastic, lightened-up alternative that doesn’t sacrifice the rich, comforting flavors you associate with festive meals. It’s a dish that will be appreciated by everyone, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without any guilt.
- It’s incredibly low in points. Managing your daily points allowance on Weight Watchers can be challenging, especially during the holidays. With only 3 WW points per serving, this cornbread stuffing is an exceptionally smart choice. It allows you to savor a generous portion of this classic side dish, leaving plenty of points for other components of your meal, ensuring you stay on track with your wellness goals.
- It is highly customizable and versatile. This simple yet flavorful recipe provides an excellent foundation for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you want to introduce additional vegetables, protein, or a unique blend of spices, this stuffing can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. It’s a base that welcomes experimentation, allowing you to personalize the flavor profile to match your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing: Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick glance at the essential details for preparing this delicious and healthy cornbread stuffing:
- Serving Size: A satisfying 191g per portion
- Number of Servings: This recipe yields 8 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.
- Total Cook Time: Approximately 90 minutes, which includes both the cornbread and stuffing preparation and baking.
- WW Points Per Recipe: Each serving is just 3 WW points, with the entire recipe totaling 26 points. (For easy tracking, click here to view the recipe directly in the WW app. A Weight Watchers login is required.)
Key Ingredients for Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing
Crafting this savory cornbread stuffing requires two main sets of ingredients: those for our tender, low-point homemade cornbread, and those for the aromatic dressing. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Cornbread Ingredients
The foundation of this stuffing is a light yet flavorful cornbread, made healthier with smart substitutions. These ingredients come together to create a moist and sturdy base that crumbles beautifully.
- 1 cup Cornmeal (yellow cornmeal is recommended for classic flavor)
- 1 cup Cream-style corn (adds moisture and a subtle sweetness)
- 2 Eggs (bind the ingredients together)
- 1 tbsp Granulated sweetener (use a 1:1 sugar replacement to keep points low)
- ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce (a fantastic fat substitute that keeps the cornbread moist)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder (ensures a light and fluffy texture)
- ¼ tsp Table salt (enhances overall flavor)
- 1 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt (adds tanginess and incredible moisture without extra fat)
Dressing Ingredients
The dressing is where the rich, savory flavors truly shine, with a harmonious blend of aromatic vegetables and classic holiday herbs. These components infuse the cornbread crumbs with moisture and an irresistible aroma.
- 4 tbsp Light butter substitute (provides richness with fewer calories)
- 1 medium Onion, diced (a cornerstone of savory stuffing flavor)
- 3-5 Celery stalks (1 ¼ cup), diced (adds crunch and a fresh, aromatic note)
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme (for a bright, earthy herbaceousness)
- ½ – 1 tsp Ground sage (essential for that classic holiday stuffing taste)
- ½ tsp Crushed rosemary (adds a pungent, piney depth)
- 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ cup Vegetable or chicken stock, low-sodium (binds the stuffing and adds moisture)
- 2 Eggs, beaten (helps bind the stuffing ingredients and creates a cohesive texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (seasoning is key to delicious stuffing)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing
Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect low-point cornbread stuffing. This recipe is divided into making the homemade cornbread first, then preparing the flavorful dressing and combining them for baking.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease either an 8×8 inch or an 8×11 inch baking dish, preparing it for your cornbread.
- To make the cornbread batter, combine all the dry ingredients (cornmeal, granulated sweetener, baking powder, and salt) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (cream-style corn, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and nonfat plain Greek yogurt). Once well-mixed, pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cornbread.
- Transfer the cornbread batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the edges browning too quickly during the last 15 minutes of baking, you can loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving the right stuffing consistency. For best results and convenience, many prefer to make the cornbread the day before, allowing it ample time to cool and dry out slightly.
- The next day, or once the cornbread is thoroughly cooled, line a large baking sheet with foil. Crumble the cooled cornbread into bite-sized pieces and spread them out evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are roughly uniform in size for consistent drying.
- Bake the cornbread crumbs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are nicely dried out and lightly toasted. The goal here is to dry them sufficiently without burning them, as this prevents a soggy stuffing. You can make them as toasty as you prefer for added flavor and texture. If desired, season the dried crumbs lightly with salt and pepper. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.
- Now, to prepare the stuffing portion: Heat the light butter substitute in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing them until they are softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, stir in the fresh thyme, ground sage, and crushed rosemary. Cook for another minute until the herbs become fragrant. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can allow the vegetables to caramelize slightly by cooking them for a few more minutes until they develop a golden-brown hue.
- Pour 1 ¼ cup of low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock into the pan with the sautéed vegetables and gently heat it to a light simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable mixture, the dried cornbread pieces, and the beaten eggs. If you prefer to taste and adjust seasoning, add the eggs last after combining the cornbread and veggies. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add a little more stock (up to an additional ¼ to ½ cup) until the cornbread is moistened but not overly soggy. The pieces should still retain their shape and not disintegrate.
- Transfer the combined stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the stuffing is thoroughly heated through. For an extra golden and crispy top, you can briefly broil the stuffing on low for a minute or two, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Your Stuffing
One of the best aspects of this cornbread stuffing recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:
- Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage: For a heartier, more protein-rich stuffing, incorporate some crumbled cooked sausage. Brown your favorite lean sausage (turkey or chicken sausage works well for lower points) in the same pan with the celery and onion before adding the stock. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the pan before proceeding with the recipe to keep it light.
- Cornbread Stuffing with Cranberries: Add a touch of sweetness and a festive tang by mixing in dried cranberries. Stir them into the stuffing mixture just before transferring it to the baking dish. They not only add a burst of flavor but also a beautiful pop of color.
- Herb Alternatives: While sage, rosemary, and thyme are classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs. If you prefer fresh sage, use 1-2 tablespoons instead of ground. You can also include fresh or dried marjoram, parsley, or a pre-mixed poultry seasoning blend for a complex flavor profile. Onion powder or garlic powder can also be added for an extra layer of savory taste. Customize the herb blend to your preference!
- Cornbread Stuffing with Nuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor, consider stirring in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Add them to the stuffing mixture just before baking, allowing them to toast lightly in the oven for enhanced flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even finely chopped carrots can be added alongside the onions and celery for more nutritional value and flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing
Achieving the perfect cornbread stuffing is easy with a few simple techniques. These tips will help you make the most flavorful and perfectly textured dish every time:
- Season as you go for maximum flavor. The secret to truly delicious stuffing is seasoning at every stage. Don’t rely solely on seasoning the final mixture. It’s crucial to season the onions and celery generously while they cook, allowing the flavors of the vegetables and herbs to meld and intensify. Before adding the eggs and baking, taste the entire mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This layering of flavors prevents a bland stuffing and ensures every bite is savory and well-balanced.
- How to store your leftover stuffing. Properly storing any leftover stuffing is essential for freshness and safety. You can store the stuffing directly in the baking dish, tightly wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, once it has cooled to room temperature. Alternatively, transfer the stuffing to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooled stuffing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Control the moisture with stock for ideal texture. The amount of vegetable or chicken stock you use significantly impacts the final texture of your stuffing. It’s always best to start with the minimum recommended amount of stock (1 ¼ cups) and add more gradually as needed. For a crumbly, dryer stuffing, you’ll use less stock. If you prefer a more moist, bread pudding-like texture, you can add more, allowing the cornbread pieces to soak up additional liquid before baking. In testing this recipe, I found that around 1 ½ cups of stock provided a wonderfully moist yet still structurally sound stuffing. Watch for visual cues: the cornbread should be moistened but not swimming in liquid or dissolving.
- Don’t skip drying the cornbread. The step of baking the crumbled cornbread until dried out is critical. This process removes excess moisture, preventing the stuffing from becoming mushy. Properly dried cornbread pieces will absorb the flavorful stock and maintain their structure, resulting in a perfectly textured stuffing.
- Pre-prepare components for ease. To simplify your holiday cooking, consider making the cornbread a day or two in advance. Once cooled, crumble and dry it as instructed, then store the dried crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also chop your onions and celery ahead of time. This prep work significantly reduces the effort on the day of cooking.
More Low-Point Holiday and Comfort Food Recipes
If you loved this Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing, be sure to explore these other delicious and healthy recipes perfect for any occasion:
Stove Top Stuffing Chicken Casserole
WW Cornbread Stuffing (Original Version)
Cranberry Apple and Pear Stuffing
Weight Watchers Cornbread Stuffing
Ingredients
Cornbread Ingredients
- 1 cup Yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup Cream-style corn
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Granulated sweetener, use a 1:1 sugar replacement
- ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- ¼ tsp Table salt
- 1 cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Dressing Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Light butter substitute
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 ¼ cup Celery, diced, (about 3-5 stalks depending on their thickness)
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme
- ½ – 1 tsp Ground sage
- ½ tsp Crushed rosemary
- 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ cup Vegetable or chicken stock, low-sodium
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400F (200°C) and grease an 8×8 or 8×11 baking dish.
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To make the cornbread, mix all of the dry ingredients together and then pour them into the wet ingredients. Stir just to combine, being careful not to overmix.
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Transfer the cornbread batter to your prepared dish and bake for about 40 minutes or until lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, cover for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
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Allow the cornbread to cool completely to room temperature. For convenience and best results, I often make mine the day before.
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The day after, or once it’s cool, line a sheet tray with foil and crumble the cornbread into bite-sized pieces. Spread the cornbread crumbs out evenly on the baking sheet.
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Bake the crumbs at 375F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are nicely dried out and lightly toasted. You can make them as toasty as you want, but be careful not to burn them. Season the crumbs with salt and pepper if preferred, and allow them to cool once more.
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How to make the stuffing portion: Heat the light butter substitute, diced onions, and celery in a medium pan until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add the seasonings and herbs (fresh thyme, ground sage, crushed rosemary) and adjust to your taste. If preferred, allow the veggies to caramelize slightly for a deeper, richer flavor.
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Add 1 ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock to the pan and gently heat it to a light simmer. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. In a large bowl, fold the vegetable mixture, cooled cornbread pieces, and beaten eggs together. (You can add eggs last if you want to season once more after combining cornbread and veggies). If the mixture seems very dry, add a little more stock at a time (up to 1 ¾ cup total) until the cornbread is moistened but not super soggy. The pieces should still hold their shape; you don’t want them to disintegrate.
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Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 375F (190°C) for 30 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown, and the stuffing is thoroughly hot. If desired, broil on low for a minute or two to give the stuffing even more color and crispness.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation.
Additional Info