Cornbread-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Corn Maque Choux
Cornbread-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Corn Maque Choux is a flavorful Continental Desserts & Baking dish prepared with quality ingredients. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionMelt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and celery; sauté until beginning to color, about 5 minutes.
Add apples; sauté until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
Mix in sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; transfer to large bowl.
Let stand until almost cool, about 10 minutes.
Mix cornbread into vegetables.
Add egg and toss to blend.
Mix in cheese, then enough apple cider by tablespoonfuls to form stuffing that is moist but not wet.
Sprinkle cavity of each hen lightly with salt and pepper.
Pack 1 cup stuffing into each (place any leftover stuffing into buttered ramekins and cover with foil).
Skewer cavities closed with toothpicks or turkey lacers.
Tuck wing tips under; tie legs together to hold shape.
Mix sage, coarse salt, and pepper in small bowl; sprinkle over hens.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Place 2 hens in skillet.
Sauté until brown, turning often with wooden spoons (to prevent tearing skin), about 10 minutes.
Transfer to rimmed baking sheet, breast side up.
Repeat with remaining hens.
Drape 2 bacon strip halves over breast of each hen.
Using kitchen string, tie bacon strips in place. (Place any ramekins of stuffing on baking sheet with hens.).
Place hens (and extra stuffing) in oven.
Roast hens until cooked through and juices run clear when thigh is pierced, about 45 minutes. (Roast stuffing 30 minutes.) Cut strings off hens.
Transfer hens to plates.
Spoon maque choux around hens and serve with extra stuffing.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome non-vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.