Name: Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old); 4 slices white bread (toasted and cubed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 3 celery stalks (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs (beaten); 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If there’s one dish that instantly makes me think of festive family gatherings and Southern hospitality, it’s Southern Cornbread Dressing. This comforting classic is the heart and soul of any holiday table, with golden edges and a rich, savory interior packed with fragrant herbs and just the right touch of buttery nostalgia. Whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving spread or turning a simple Sunday dinner into something extra special, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite, and I can’t wait to share all my favorite tips and secrets with you.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind authentic Southern Cornbread Dressing. Each one plays a crucial role, from the cornbread’s crumbly texture to the rich aroma of sautéed veggies and savory herbs—these are the flavors and colors that make this dish shine.

Cornbread (6 cups, crumbled): Using slightly dry, day-old cornbread ensures your dressing holds together perfectly while soaking up just the right amount of broth.
White bread (4 slices, toasted and cubed): Adds tender chunks and subtle flavor contrast for that classic dressing texture.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Brings a luscious richness to the veggies and melds all the flavors together beautifully.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Creates a sweet, aromatic base that’s essential for depth of flavor.
Celery (3 stalks, finely chopped): Adds freshness and a gentle crunch in every bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends robust, savory undertones that make the herbs sing.
Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): The backbone of all classic Southern Cornbread Dressing, giving it that unmistakable holiday flavor.
Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Herbal and woodsy, this is a must-have for vintage Southern charm.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors while drawing out the veggies’ sweetness.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough bite to keep things lively and savory.
Eggs (2 large, beaten): Binds everything together, giving your dressing sliceability and richness.
Chicken or turkey broth (2 to 2 1/2 cups): Moisten the mixture with the exact richness you crave—start with less, add more if needed.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional, chopped): A pop of color and freshness scattered on top makes the finished dish irresistible.

How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and warm for baking up that perfect golden crust. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this guarantees your Southern Cornbread Dressing lifts out in beautiful, neat squares with no sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the rich, unsalted butter over medium heat. Pour in the chopped onions and celery, and let them cook together for about 6–8 minutes until they’re tender and glistening. Toss in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper, giving it all a good stir for a minute—this blend is the very essence of classic Southern flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Breads and Flavorful Veggies

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine your crumbled cornbread with the toasted cubes of white bread. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture, then pour in the beaten eggs and 2 cups of broth. Stir until just combined—the mixture should be moist but not swimming. If it feels a little dry, splash in extra broth a bit at a time.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the dressing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking. Pop it into the oven for 35 to 45 minutes; you’re looking for a golden brown top, a firm (but tender) center, and edges that are oh-so-slightly crisp. Give it a moment to rest before serving, so it sets up just right.

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for cheerful color and a hint of garden flavor. A light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving brings an extra punch that truly makes Southern Cornbread Dressing shine at the table.

Side Dishes

This Southern classic pairs beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or even simple roasted chicken. Don’t be shy about serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a scoop of cranberry sauce, and a generous ladle of homemade gravy—together, they create a balanced and heartwarming meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra-festive, try scooping portions into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Or, shape small mounds with a large cookie scoop and bake on a sheet for eye-catching, hand-held servings at a buffet. However you serve it, Southern Cornbread Dressing is guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Southern Cornbread Dressing should be cooled to room temperature, then tucked into an airtight container and refrigerated. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 4 days, ready and waiting for a quick reheat or a little midnight nibbling.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your dressing for later! Wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, so their texture stays delightfully moist and tender.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat dressing in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. For smaller servings, the microwave on low works, but the oven really revives that craveable crispy edge.

FAQs

How do I keep my Southern Cornbread Dressing from being too dry or too wet?

The secret is to add the broth in stages and stop when the mixture is moist but not soggy. Remember, it’s easier to add more liquid than to take it away—so trust your eyes and give the mix a gentle press before baking.

Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything the day before and store, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake as instructed—your prep work lets you enjoy more time with family and friends.

What can I use instead of poultry seasoning?

If you’re out of poultry seasoning, try blending your own with sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and a hint of nutmeg. This homemade mix packs all the savory herby flavor you need.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

It sure can be! Simply swap in a rich vegetable broth for the chicken or turkey broth, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing vegetarian Southern Cornbread Dressing without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Can I add meat or extras to this recipe?

Definitely! Stir in cooked sausage, diced ham, or chopped boiled eggs for delightful added heartiness. Just remember to cook any meat thoroughly before mixing it in.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is the kind of recipe your family will beg you to make year after year—you might even catch folks sneaking seconds before it cools. Whip up a batch, share it around the table, and revel in the warmth and comfort of a true Southern classic. I can’t wait for you to dig in!

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s bursting with flavor. With a perfect blend of cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dressing will become a holiday favorite. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Mixture:

6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
4 slices white bread (toasted and cubed)

Vegetable Sauté:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 celery stalks (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Garnish:

2 large eggs (beaten)
2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add onion and celery; cook until softened. Stir in garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper; cook briefly then remove from heat.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cornbread, toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, eggs, and broth. Adjust broth for desired moistness.
Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.