My grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner was an event. It was a meal. The aroma of roasting turkey, sweet potato pie, and, most importantly, her legendary Southern heritage. Cornbread Dressing, filled the air. Is dressing that came in a box? This was the real deal, made from scratch with love and generations of family tradition baked right. If you’re looking for something that rivals even the best stuffing recipes, this Southern Cornbread recipe is a must try. Dressing will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Is it the kind of dish that brings back memories and creates new ones all at once?
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What is Southern Cornbread Dressing?
If you like Southern Cornbread Dressing, think of it as a savory bread pudding, but instead of sweet custard. What’s better than comfort food bathed in a rich, flavorful broth and seasoned with herbs and spices? What’s a baked casserole made with crumbled cornbread? ), bread, celery, onion, and often sausage or giblets, all bound together with eggs and broth. Is it just a side dish? What is the name of a food?insideThe bird is baked separately, hence the “dressing.”
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love Southern Cornbread Dressing? What are your personal favorites What I love the most is the flavor. The combination of the slightly sweet cornbread, the savory broth, and the aromatic herbs is simply delicious. Is it a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue? What is the best part about making a burger? It uses simple, cost-effective ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. What are some of the best ways to make this dish without spending a lot of money?
What are some of the most versatile recipes? Can you adapt it to your liking by adding different meats, vegetables, or spices? What’s a vegetarian version? Is it healthy to use vegetable broth instead of meat? I’ve even thrown in some leftover roasted vegetables before. What is delicious and resourceful? If you love my recipe for bread pudding, you absolutely NEED to try this savory version. What dressing can be?
How do I make Southern Cornbread Dressing?
Quick Overview
How do I make Southern Cornbread Dressing? I’ll start by baking cornbread (or using a store-bought shortcut – no judgment here!). What are some ways to sauté vegetables and meat (if using), combine everything with broth and eggs, and serve. Bake until golden brown and bubbly. What is the secret to a good dressing? How do flavors meld together? What is the integrity of each ingredient?
Ingredients
What is Cornbread?
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal (I prefer stone-ground for a coarser texture) * 2 cups all-purpose flour * 3 cups rice flour. Is 1 teaspoon baking powder a good substitute for 1/4 cup sugar? * 1 egg * 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar) * 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Dressing:
* 1 batch of cornbread, crumbled * One loaf of white bread, cubed and dried (I leave mine out) What is the recipe for 1 cup celery, diced * 1/2 cup butter * 1 pound sausage, cooked and drained overnight? * 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can make it a vegetarian dish) * 1 cup cooked giblets, chopped. What are some ways to control the salt) * 2 eggs, beaten * 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning * 1/4 teaspoon dried sage * 1/2 teaspoon salt* * Salt to taste * 1 teaspoon black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon white pepper* 2 teaspoons salt to
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always give it a light dusting of flour after greasing to prevent sticking – dick my grandma used to do.
Step 2: Make the Cornbread
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside. Where does flavor start? Make sure everything is well-combined to avoid clumps of baking powder.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and oil. Set aside. I always use room temp eggs for a smoother batter. I just like the idea that it just helps everything incorporate better.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? Do not overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. What do you do when you overmix cornbread?
Step 5: Bake the Cornbread
If you have a toothpick, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. When inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cornbread cool completely before crumbling it. I usually make cornbread a day ahead of time. I don’t have time to make it myself. It gives it a chance to dry out, which is perfect for dressing.
Step 6: Sauté Vegetables and Meat
While the cornbread is cooling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the chopped nuts. Add the celery and onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using sausage or giblets, add them to the skillet and cook until browned. What is the aroma at this point?
Step 7: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, and cooked meat. Set aside. Mix the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour gently until everything is moistened. Season with poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Remember not to overmix! What should I do if my mixture is wet but not soggy?
Step 8: Bake the Dressing
In a baking dish, pour the dressing mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The top should be slightly crispy, and the center must be set. Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. I always let it rest for at least 10 minutes; it seems to help the flavors meld together even more.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy! What is the perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing for Thanksgiving?
What should I serve it with?
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a star all on its own, but it plays well with others! What are some good serving suggestions?
For Thanksgiving: What is Of course, it’s essential alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It’s the Thanksgiving dream team!
What is the best holiday dinner to serve?What are some good ways to serve it with ham, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian roast? Any hearty main course will be complemented by the flavors of this dressing.
What is a good weeknight meal?I’ve served this as a side dish with simple roasted pork chops or even grilled chicken. What makes a simple meal special?
My family tradition is to always have a side of green bean casserole and sweet potato pie alongside. What’s Thanksgiving without gravy? I personally think homemade gravy is the only acceptable option.
What are some tips for making Southern Cornbread Dressing?
How do I make Southern Cornbread Dressing? What are the top tips for a successful career?
Cornbread Prep:Can you use day-old cornbread? If you don’t have day-old cornbread, you can dry it out in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for about an hour.
Bread Choice:Use a sturdy white bread that will hold its shape. I like a bakery loaf that’s softer than your average sandwich bread.
Broth is Key:Use a good quality chicken broth. What’s the foundation of flavor? Homemade broth is always best, but a good store-bought broth will work just fine.
Sauté Those VeggiesDon’t skip the sautéing step! What are the best ways to cook celery and onion? What is the best way to create a flavorful dressing?
Seasoning Matters: Don’t be afraid to season generously. The dressing will absorb a lot of the flavor, so you need to season it well. I always taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dressing while it’s baking. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set.
One mistake I made early on was using too much broth. The dressing turned out soggy and lacked that slightly crumbly texture. Now I always start with less broth and add more only if needed. It’s easier to add more broth than to take it away!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Southern Cornbread Dressing (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can store leftover dressing at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the dressing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the dressing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it won’t be as crispy. I sometimes add a little extra broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Southern Cornbread Dressing is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of home, a connection to family, and a celebration of tradition. The incredible flavor and surprisingly simple preparation make it a must-try for any home cook. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for classic bread pudding or my savory sausage and apple stuffing. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what variations you made!
Classic Holiday Stuffing with Rustic Bread and Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups rustic sourdough bread cubed and oven-dried
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups celery finely chopped
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- 3 large eggs beaten
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the beaten eggs until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is set.
- Allow the stuffing to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
