Bring the taste of Southern tradition to your table with Mama’s Cornbread Dressing, a beloved holiday classic that’s bursting with comforting flavors. This cornbread dressing combines homemade cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs for a perfectly moist and delicious dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. Passed down through generations, this recipe is a must-have for family gatherings, adding warmth and love to every meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably homemade)
• 4 cups day-old bread (white or whole wheat), torn into small pieces
• 1 cup celery (about 0.25 lb), finely diced
• 1 large onion (about 0.25 lb), finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (more as needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and chopped onion, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, torn bread, cooked vegetables, fresh sage, and thyme. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, adding more if needed to reach a moist but not soupy consistency.
4. Add Eggs and Seasoning: Stir in the beaten eggs and melted butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set in the middle.
6. Serve: Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful side dish with your holiday meal!

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve.
• Adding Meat: For extra flavor, add cooked sausage or diced chicken to the mixture.
• Texture Tip: Adjust the broth amount based on your desired texture. For a firmer dressing, use slightly less broth; for a softer texture, add a bit more.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a Southern staple that brings warmth, flavor, and tradition to any table, making it the perfect addition to your holiday feast. Enjoy every bite!