Crunchy corn bread dressing

8 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
15ouncesPkg. corn bread mix
8ouncesBacon, cut into 1/2\" pieces
5Celery stalks, diced
1Green onion bunch, chopped
1largeOnion, chopped
teaspoonPoultry seasoning
3Eggs, beaten to blend
1cupChicken stock or canned
Low-salt broth

Directions

Prepare corn bread according to package directions. Cool completely; crumble (can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature). Preheat oven to 350F. Place corn bread on baking sheet.

Bake until slightly dry, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Transfer corn bread to large bowl. Maintain oven temperature. Grease 13x9x2" glass baking dish. Fry bacon pieces in heavy large skillet over high heat until brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to bowl with corn bread. Add diced celery and all onions to same skillet. Saute vegetables over high heat until just tender, about 12 minutes; add poultry seasoning and stir one minute. Scrape contents of skillet into bowl with corn bread and toss to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs, then chicken stock. Transfer to prepared dish. Cover dressing with aluminum foil. (Can be prepared 3 hours ahead; refrigerate). Bake dressing covered 30 minutes; uncover and bake until golden and crisp on top, about 30 minutes more. Optional: add about 2 dozen fresh oysters (or two 8 oz. jars, drained) just before baking, cutting them into pieces if they are very large.