Southern Cornbread Dressing

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a big Southern meal, you know that Southern Cornbread Dressing is a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite. It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor. This dressing is the perfect side dish for your holiday table or any family gathering. Imagine a warm, golden cornbread base, soaking up all the savory flavors from sage, onions, and stock, then baked to crispy perfection. It’s like a cozy, homemade hug on a plate. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved Southern classic. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Southern Cornbread Dressing

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dressing, but here are the ones that make it a favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, this dressing works with just about any main dish. Whether you’re pairing it with roast chicken, turkey, or ham, it complements everything beautifully.

Budget-Friendly

Cornbread is an affordable pantry staple, and the rest of the ingredients are simple and inexpensive. It’s one of those dishes that’s so flavorful yet easy on the wallet—great for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Flavorful

The combination of cornbread, savory herbs, and rich broth creates layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. You’ve got that perfect balance of crunch on top and softness in the middle.

Easy to Make

Despite how delicious and impressive it is, Southern Cornbread Dressing doesn’t take a ton of effort. The prep time is pretty minimal, and the oven does most of the work.

Crowd-Pleasing

Who doesn’t love a big helping of cornbread dressing? This dish is beloved by both kids and adults, and it’s bound to be the first thing to disappear at the dinner table.

Ingredients in Southern Cornbread Dressing

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients that make this dressing so amazing:

Cornbread

The base of this dish is homemade cornbread, which gives it a crumbly texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor. You can use store-bought cornbread, but homemade is always best for that authentic Southern taste.

Onions & Celery

Sautéed onions and celery provide a savory depth of flavor, adding just the right amount of aromatic goodness to the dressing.

Chicken or Turkey Broth

Broth is key for keeping the dressing moist and adding savory richness. Whether you use chicken or turkey broth, it’s the perfect way to soak up the cornbread crumbs.

Eggs

Eggs are used to bind the dressing together, making sure it stays nice and firm while baking. They also help create a smooth texture.

Sage & Poultry Seasoning

These herbs and spices bring the dressing to life. Sage is the star here, lending that earthy, slightly peppery flavor that’s so signature in Southern cooking.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the dressing, ensuring a soft and tender texture throughout.

Salt & Pepper

Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors and balance everything perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this cornbread dressing baking!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your dressing bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust on top.

Make the Cornbread

If you’re starting with homemade cornbread, bake it according to your recipe and let it cool completely before using it in the dressing. If you’re using store-bought, just crumble it into your mixing bowl.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Set them aside to cool a bit.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, crumble your cooled cornbread into large pieces. Add the sautéed onions and celery, beaten eggs, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken or turkey broth gradually, stirring as you go. You want the mixture to be moist but not too soupy, so add the broth slowly to achieve the right consistency.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon the cornbread mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Dressing

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a great side dish to pair with your favorite meats and veggies, and it’s always a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 300mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

This dressing is fantastic alongside a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to make it even more delicious:

With Roast Meats

Pair this dressing with a juicy roast turkey, chicken, or ham. It soaks up the savory juices perfectly and adds a comforting balance to the rich flavors of the meat.

At the Holidays

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

As a Standalone

This dressing can be hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially if you want something a little lighter or more veggie-forward. Add a side of greens, and you’re set.

With Gravy

If you want to take it to the next level, drizzle some homemade gravy over the top of the dressing before serving. The combination of flavors is unbeatable.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best Southern Cornbread Dressing:

Make the Cornbread Ahead of Time

You can make the cornbread a day or two in advance. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the dressing.

Use Homemade Broth

If you have homemade chicken or turkey broth, definitely use that! It will give the dressing an extra depth of flavor that store-bought broth just can’t match.

Adjust the Herbs

Feel free to adjust the amount of sage or poultry seasoning to your taste. Some people love a more prominent sage flavor, while others prefer a milder taste. Taste the mixture before baking to make sure the seasoning is just right.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare this dressing the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven!

Freeze Leftovers

This dressing freezes well, so if you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to freeze it for later. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven for the best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, store-bought cornbread will work just fine. Just make sure it’s cool before using it in the dressing.

Q2: Can I make this dressing vegetarian?

A2: Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth in place of chicken or turkey broth, and leave out any meat-based ingredients.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can assemble the dressing the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just bake it the next day, and you’re all set.

Q4: Can I use a different type of bread?

A4: While cornbread is traditional, you can mix in some crumbled white bread or even add a bit of cornbread stuffing mix if you’d like a twist on the classic.

Q5: Can I freeze this dressing?

A5: Yes, you can! Just prepare the dressing, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready.

Q6: How can I make this dressing spicier?

A6: If you like a little heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a flavorful kick.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A7: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a splash of broth before reheating if it seems dry.

Q8: Can I use a different type of broth?

A8: Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even beef broth, though chicken or turkey broth is traditional and adds a nice depth of flavor.

Q9: Can I add meat to this dressing?

A9: Definitely! Some people like to add cooked sausage or diced turkey for extra richness. Just stir it in before baking.

Q10: How do I know when the dressing is done?

A10: The dressing is done when it’s golden and crispy on top, and the edges have started to pull away from the sides of the dish. The inside should be moist but not too soggy.

Conclusion

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is the epitome of Southern comfort food. With its perfect balance of flavors, crispy top, and savory, herby goodness, it’s sure to be a hit at your next family meal or holiday gathering. Whether it’s the star of your Thanksgiving table or a cozy dinner side, this dressing is one dish you’ll want to make time and time again. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic!

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