Name: Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 (9×9-inch) pan of cornbread, crumbled; 6 slices day-old white bread, torn into pieces; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon sage (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is the dish that instantly transports you to a warm, bustling Southern kitchen, promising comfort, nostalgia, and just a bit of holiday magic in every forkful. Every bite is loaded with tender, golden cornbread, a buttery sauté of onions and celery, and the whisper of fragrant herbs—a simple combination that becomes spectacular when baked to perfection. Whether you’re making this for a family holiday or just craving a side that embraces you like a comforting hug, this recipe brings together everything soulful and hearty about classic Southern cooking.

Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is how it starts with humble, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds its special touch, from the deep flavor of homemade cornbread to the aromatic veggies and fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s layered with taste and tradition.

9×9-inch pan of cornbread, crumbled: Use classic, unsweetened Southern-style cornbread for authentic flavor and the best crumbly texture.
6 slices day-old white bread, torn into pieces: Day-old bread absorbs flavors better and helps create that iconic dressing consistency.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and that signature Southern savor to the sautéed vegetables.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the butter.
3 celery stalks, finely chopped: Essential for freshness and a satisfying tender crunch throughout the dressing.
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: This earthy blend ties everything together with its classic holiday aroma.
1 teaspoon sage (optional): For those who love an extra dash of Southern personality—sage is optional, but highly recommended.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning for that perfect savory finish.
2 large eggs, beaten: Egg acts as a binder, holding it all together without making things heavy.
2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed): Broth brings moisture and rich savory flavor—add just enough for a spoonable, not soupy, mixture.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of parsley brightens the look and brings a little pop of color.

How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Set the scene by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A well-greased dish ensures your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing will lift out beautifully, every golden-topped square intact and ready to serve.

Step 2: Marry the Breads

In a large bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and the torn white bread pieces. Crumbling the cornbread by hand feels traditional and gives you perfect rustic texture—don’t be shy about mixing the two until it looks like a patchwork of tender crumbs.

Step 3: Butter and Veggies

Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, and let them cook slowly for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for translucence and plenty of aroma—when the onions are soft and the celery has mellowed, stir in the poultry seasoning, sage (if using), plus salt and pepper. The kitchen will smell like the holidays!

Step 4: The Big Mix

Pour the aromatic veggie mixture straight over your bread bowls (try not to drool!). Add the beaten eggs and start with 2 cups of broth, mixing gently so you don’t lose all that fabulous texture. The goal is moist, cohesive, and spoonable—if it still looks a bit dry, add broth a splash at a time until just right.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it gently into a thick, even layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is irresistibly golden-brown and the center feels set when pressed. That gorgeous crust signals it’s ready!

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

As tempting as it is to dive right in, let your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This little break lets it firm up a bit for the perfect slice. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a dash of color.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

A touch of fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish, offering brightness and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. If you want to go the extra mile, a sprinkle of extra black pepper or a drizzle of browned butter right before serving can send your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing over the top for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair this comforting side with your holiday roast turkey, baked ham, or even roast chicken. It also loves classic Southern companions like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, or collard greens. The dressing’s soft, savory crumb is perfect for soaking up gravies and flavorful juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, consider baking individual servings in muffin tins for perfectly portioned mini dressings. Or, serve it family-style in a beautiful casserole dish, heaping with extra parsley, so everyone can help themselves around the table. For the real showstopper, try layering your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing with slices of roast turkey in a trifle bowl for a Southern take on the holiday trifle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep like a dream! Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making next-day servings just as delicious—if not more!

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the dressing cool completely, then wrap well or store in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing in individual portions makes quick lunches a breeze!

Reheating

Reheat leftover Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing in the oven (covered with foil) at 325°F until warmed through, usually about 20–25 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too! Add a splash of broth if it seems dry, and it’ll be as fluffy and flavorful as the first day.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free cornbread and white bread alternatives. The method remains the same and you’ll still achieve a classic texture and those beloved Southern flavors.

Is this Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing vegetarian?

If you use vegetable broth in place of chicken or turkey broth, this dressing is entirely vegetarian. It’s every bit as savory and satisfying even without meat-based stock.

Can I add meat to make it a main dish?

Definitely! Many Southerners love to stir in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey to turn the dish heartier. Just add the meat along with the sautéed veggies before you mix and bake.

Why is my dressing too dry or too soggy?

The trick is adding just enough broth for a thick, moist, spoonable mixture—not too soupy, not dry. If it’s dry, simply mix in a bit more broth before baking; if too wet, bake a little longer uncovered so the excess moisture evaporates.

Can I make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish the day before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh before serving. This trick is a lifesaver during busy holiday meal prep!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made an Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing from scratch, I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try. There’s nothing more satisfying than baking up a dish that tastes of tradition, warmth, and genuine Southern hospitality—all in one humble casserole. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a bit of magic on your table!

Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a classic holiday side dish that is a must-have for Thanksgiving. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dressing is savory, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

1 (9×9-inch) pan of cornbread, crumbled

White Bread:

6 slices day-old white bread, torn into pieces

Vegetables and Seasonings:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon sage (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Garnish:

2 large eggs, beaten
2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and torn white bread. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft. Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Pour sautéed vegetables over bread mixture. Add beaten eggs and 2 cups of broth. Mix gently, adding more broth as needed.
Bake: Transfer dressing to baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.