This Southern Cornbread Dressing is warm and comforting, made from crumbled cornbread, veggies, and yummy spices. It’s perfect for topping with gravy or serving alongside your favorite dishes!
If you ask me, the best part is how it soaks up all the flavors on your plate. I always find myself going back for seconds—who can resist that tasty goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Using day-old cornbread gives the dressing the right texture. Store-bought works great if you’re short on time! You can even swap in cornbread mix for a quicker option—just follow package instructions.
Veggies: The classic combination is onion and celery. You can try adding diced carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you want a healthier twist, using spinach instead of bell peppers adds a nice color!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds richness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth or even mushroom broth are great substitutes. Adjust the salt since broths vary in salt levels.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the dressing. For a vegan version, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken!
How Do You Get Your Cornbread Dressing Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture level is key to a successful dressing. Start with adding 2 cups of broth, gently mixing it in. Check the consistency—aim for something that holds together but still looks a bit crumbly. If it feels too dry, add more broth, a little at a time.
- Mix until all ingredients are wet but not drowning.
- Remember, the baking process will help absorb moisture, too!
Letting it rest after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. This is a crucial step—don’t skip it!
The Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably a day or two old)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moistness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing takes about 20 minutes to prep and about 50 minutes to bake, plus a little extra time to let it rest after pulling it out of the oven. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with some butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Cornbread:
If your cornbread is fresh, crumble it up and lay it out on a baking sheet. Toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes to dry it out slightly. This extra step ensures your dressing has a great texture. Let it cool when done.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and optional green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
4. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and flour. Next, add the sautéed onion and celery mixture along with the butter. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed.
5. Add Seasoning:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute all those delicious herbs and spices.
6. Combine and Adjust Consistency:
Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to your mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth a half cup at a time. Gently mix until the dressing reaches your desired moisture level—it should be moist but not soggy.
7. Bake:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and has a slightly crisp texture. It’s going to look amazing!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Enjoy your warm and scrumptious Southern Cornbread Dressing as a comforting side dish, especially great with turkey, chicken, or ham. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread works great and saves you time. Just crumble it up before adding it to the recipe. If you choose a sweeter variety, consider adjusting the seasoning a bit to balance the flavors.
How Can I Make This Dressing Gluten-Free?
To make this dressing gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornbread is also gluten-free. Many grocery stores offer a variety of gluten-free cornbread mixes that will work perfectly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cornbread Dressing?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave in smaller portions until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. You can add cooked sausage for a heartier dish, or include nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. Diced apples or cranberries can also give a sweet twist!