Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This classic recipe is often prepared during the holidays, but it can be enjoyed all year round. The combination of cornbread, white bread, and savory seasonings creates a flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with turkey, chicken, or even as a side on its own.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Southern Cornbread Dressing is a tradition that many families cherish. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows you to use leftover bread, making it a great way to reduce waste. The rich and buttery flavor, combined with the aromatic herbs, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it can be easily customized to suit your family’s taste.

How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

• 6 cups crumbled baked cornbread
• 3 cups cubed day-old white bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 to 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cubed white bread, cooked onion and celery, and melted butter.
4. Stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the beaten eggs and gradually pour in chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set, and the top is golden brown.
8. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing can be served alongside your main dishes like turkey or fried chicken. It also makes a tasty base for gravy or can be enjoyed on its own. For an added touch, serve it with a side of cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes.

How to Store Southern Cornbread Dressing

To store leftover dressing, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Use homemade cornbread for the best flavor, but store-bought works too.
• Feel free to add chopped cooked sausage, mushrooms, or nuts for extra texture.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste for a personalized flavor.

Variation

You can switch up the bread types—try adding some whole wheat or sourdough bread for a different taste. Some people also like to include dried fruits like cranberries for a hint of sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of this dressing.

3. Is cornbread dressing gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

A classic dish combining cornbread and white bread with savory seasonings, perfect for holidays or any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Holiday, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread Base

• 6 cups crumbled baked cornbread Use homemade or store-bought cornbread for best flavor.
• 3 cups cubed day-old white bread

Vegetables & Fat

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 stalks celery, finely diced

Binding Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 to 3.5 cups chicken broth Add gradually until the mixture is moist but not soupy.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt Or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cubed white bread, cooked onion, celery, and melted butter.
4. Stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the beaten eggs and gradually pour in chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.

Baking

1. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
2. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For added flavor, try using homemade cornbread and feel free to incorporate ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, or nuts.