This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for gatherings. Made with crumbled cornbread, it’s mixed with fresh veggies and herbs for that homey flavor!
Trust me, the combination of buttery cornbread and tasty seasonings will have everyone reaching for seconds! I love serving it alongside turkey for a truly festive touch. 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Use homemade cornbread for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought is fine. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free cornbread to keep the texture!
White Bread: The recipe calls for regular white bread, but you can switch it up with whole grain or French bread for added flavor. Stale bread works great too!
Vegetables: Yellow onion and celery add a classic base flavor. You can replace celery with bell peppers or use leeks for a twist!
Broth: Chicken broth is the go-to, but vegetable broth makes a lovely vegetarian version. Homemade broth enhances the dish, but store-bought works in a pinch.
How Do I Prevent My Dressing From Being Too Dry or Soupy?
The key to perfect dressing is finding the right moisture level. After mixing all ingredients, your mixture should be moist but not overly wet. Here are steps to get it right:
- Gradually add chicken broth while mixing. Start with 2 cups and add slowly if it seems dry.
- Check the texture; you want it to hold together but not puddle in the bottom of the dish.
- Remember that the dressing will absorb some moisture while baking, so aim for a slightly wetter mix.
Let it sit after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make for easier serving! Enjoy your delicious creation! 🎉
How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups crumbled dry cornbread (preferably homemade or good-quality store-bought)
- 2 cups white bread cubes (about 4 slices, toasted or slightly stale)
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
Seasonings:
- 2 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Binding Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 to 2 ½ cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southern Cornbread Dressing takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 40-50 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to give it a 5-10 minute resting period after baking for easier serving. In total, you’ll need about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prepare, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish so your dressing doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté these veggies until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, take the skillet off the heat.
3. Combine the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and the white bread cubes. This mixture will form the base of your dressing.
4. Mix in Flavorings:
Add the sautéed onions and celery to the cornbread mixture. Then incorporate the poultry seasoning, dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well to evenly distribute those delicious flavors!
5. Prepare the Binder:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then slowly add the chicken broth while stirring. This mixture will help hold everything together.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Pour the egg and broth mixture over the cornbread mixture, stirring gently to combine. The dressing should feel moist but not soupy. Add chicken broth gradually, adjusting based on the dryness of your bread.
7. Add Fresh Herbs (Optional):
If you’re using fresh parsley, fold it into the mixture for an extra burst of flavor and color.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Once everything is well mixed, transfer it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Bake:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown and crispy top!
10. Let It Rest:
After removing it from the oven, let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes. This step helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy this classic Southern Cornbread Dressing as a perfect side to your holiday meals or Sunday dinner! It’s sure to warm up your gatherings! 🍽️
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread works well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s dry enough to crumble, which helps the dressing hold together. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a bit to dry out before using.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a fantastic substitute. For a richer flavor, you could also use homemade stock from roasted veggies. Just remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the dressing a day in advance! Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.