Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Savory Sausage Stuffing

There’s something undeniably elegant yet incredibly comforting about serving a whole roasted bird. For me, Cornish game hens have always held a special place in my culinary repertoire. I remember one particularly chilly autumn evening, years ago, when I stumbled upon a rather lackluster recipe for them. It felt like a missed opportunity – a blank canvas begging for personality. The original recipe, to my dismay, included mushrooms, a divisive ingredient, and a general lack of the robust flavors I craved. I took it as a personal challenge, a chance to imbue these petite poultry gems with the warmth and depth they deserved, transforming them into a dish that would truly impress without requiring a culinary degree.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 Cornish game hens
• Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

For these flavorful Cornish game hens, you’ll need:

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 6 ounces bulk sausage (your favorite variety, like mild or Italian)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped celery
• 1 cup herb stuffing mix
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Medium skillet
• Baking pan (large enough to hold both hens without touching)
• Oven
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp knife

Instructions

Embarking on the journey to perfectly roasted Cornish game hens with this delightful sausage stuffing is a straightforward endeavor, promising a rewarding culinary experience.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, lightly spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your hens won’t adhere to the pan, making for easier handling and a cleaner finish.
2. Prepare the Hens: Carefully remove and discard the giblets from the cavities of the Cornish game hens. This is a crucial step for both presentation and internal cooking. Once the giblets are removed, rinse the hens inside and out under cool running water. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Ensuring the hens are dry is vital for achieving a beautifully crisp skin.
3. Season the Hens: Lightly sprinkle the inside and outside of the hens with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Set the seasoned hens aside while you prepare the stuffing.
4. Start the Sausage: In a medium skillet, cook and stir the bulk sausage over a medium heat. Continue to cook until the sausage is no longer pink. This process renders some of the fat and ensures the sausage is cooked through before being incorporated into the stuffing.
5. Sauté Aromatics: To the skillet with the cooked sausage, add the chopped onion and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take approximately five minutes. This brief sautéing process softens the vegetables and begins to release their aromatic compounds, adding depth to the stuffing.
6. Assemble the Stuffing: To the skillet containing the sausage mixture, add the herb stuffing mix, 1/3 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of sage. Mix everything well to ensure the stuffing mix absorbs the moisture and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Stuff the Hens: Carefully spoon the warm filling evenly into the inside cavities of each hen. Be sure not to overstuff, as this can prevent even cooking.
8. Prepare the Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, blend the 1/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning with the 1 tablespoon of butter. This creates a fragrant and savory glaze that will enhance the flavor and appearance of the hens as they roast.
9. Glaze the Hens: Rub the butter and poultry seasoning mixture evenly over the outside of the hens. This will help to crisp the skin and infuse it with delicious flavor.
10. Arrange for Roasting: Place the stuffed and glazed hens in the prepared baking pan. Ensure they have a little space between them for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
11. Roast to Perfection: Roast the hens in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The hens are done when the juices run clear, there is no pink meat visible, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 180°F (82°C).
12. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the hens stand for five minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist final product.
13. Carve and Serve: With a sharp knife, carefully split each hen lengthwise through the center of the breast and through the backbone, cutting just to one side of the backbone. This presentation allows for easy access to the flavorful stuffing and showcases the beautiful roast.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but a few chef-driven touches can elevate it further. When sautéing the onion and celery, a tiny pinch of sugar can help them caramelize beautifully without adding sweetness. For an extra layer of flavor in the stuffing, consider using a good quality chicken broth instead of water, though remember to adjust seasoning accordingly. If your stuffing mix is particularly coarse, you might want to pulse it briefly in a food processor to achieve a more uniform texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the herbs in your stuffing mix – a touch of thyme or rosemary can complement the sage beautifully. Ensure your hens are completely dry before seasoning and applying the butter glaze; this is the secret to crispy skin.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Roasted Cornish Game Hens are a feast for the eyes and the palate, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. They are best served immediately after resting, with the glistening, golden-brown skin and the savory sausage stuffing peeking out from the carefully halved hens. A side of mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad makes for a perfectly balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the hens in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through, or carefully reheat individual portions in a microwave, being mindful not to overcook the delicate meat.

Nutritional Information

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	480 kcal	24%
Total Fat	28 g	43%
Saturated Fat	10 g	50%
Cholesterol	150 mg	50%
Sodium	650 mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	12 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	2 g	4%
Protein	38 g	76%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully complete as is, there’s always room for personalization. If you’re not a fan of pork sausage, a good quality bulk turkey or chicken sausage can be used, though you may need to add a touch more fat to the stuffing. For a vegetarian stuffing alternative, consider using a mixture of sautéed mushrooms (if you like them!), finely diced bell peppers, and breadcrumbs with the herbs and seasonings. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the finished hens just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the carved hens can be delightful.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sausage stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Gently warm it before stuffing the hens.

Q: My hens seem small, will 1 hour 30 minutes always be enough cooking time?
A: Cooking times can vary slightly based on oven calibration and hen size. Always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the hens reach an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C) in the thigh.

Q: What can I do if the skin starts to brown too quickly?
A: If the skin is browning too fast before the hens are cooked through, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Q: Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish game hens?
A: This recipe is specifically designed for the smaller size of Cornish game hens. Using a larger chicken would require significant adjustments to cooking time and method.

Q: Is it okay to stuff the hens tightly?
A: It’s best to avoid overstuffing. Loose stuffing allows heat to circulate more effectively, ensuring the hens cook evenly and thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from presenting a beautifully roasted Cornish game hen, its skin golden and inviting, its aroma rich with herbs and savory sausage. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create something truly special. It’s a recipe that’s both accessible for a novice cook and satisfying for an experienced one, offering a delicious connection to tradition and comfort. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, fill your kitchen with enticing aromas, and share this delightful meal with those you cherish. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a robust red, and is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.