There comes a point every fall when supper starts sounding different.
All summer long, we want something light, something quick and preferably something that does not require turning the oven on. Then October arrives, the temperature finally drops a little, and suddenly a bubbling cast-iron skillet coming out of the oven sounds just about perfect.
This Sausage and Cornbread Skillet is made for those nights.
It has smoked sausage, peppers, onions and corn tucked underneath a cheesy cornbread topping. It is hearty without being complicated, and everything comes together in one skillet—which also means fewer dishes waiting in the sink.
Even better, there is plenty of room to make it your own. Use your favorite Mississippi-made smoked sausage, add jalapeños if your family likes a little heat or toss in whatever peppers you have on hand.
Put the skillet in the middle of the table and call everybody to supper.
Sausage and Cornbread Skillet
Ingredients
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn, fresh, frozen or drained canned corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until lightly browned.
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Stir in the corn and drained Rotel and cook another two or three minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the cheese over the sausage mixture.
Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions using the egg and milk. Stir in the melted butter.
Spoon the cornbread batter over the sausage mixture and gently spread it toward the edges.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Let it sit for about five minutes before serving.
Add a simple salad if you want, but nobody is going to complain if you don’t.
After all, fall supper does not have to be fancy. Sometimes all you need is a cast-iron skillet, something warm from the oven and everybody home at the same time.
