This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a true comfort food! It’s made with crumbled cornbread, savory vegetables, and rich broth, all baked to perfection.
It’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up for every holiday dinner. Trust me, everyone will keep asking for seconds—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Cornbread is the star of this dish. If you don’t have day-old cornbread, you can use fresh cornbread or even store-bought cornbread mix—just prepare it according to package instructions first!
Onions and Celery: These veggies add essential flavor. If you’re out of celery, try using diced bell peppers or leeks. Also, green onions can be a lovely swap for regular onions for a milder taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice, as it helps control the saltiness. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a healthier alternative.
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth works great, feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even water, though it might be less flavorful. Homemade broth is always a win!
How Do You Make Sure Your Dressing Is Moist But Not Soggy?
Finding the right balance of moisture is key to a perfect dressing. Start by crumbling your cornbread and mixing in the broth gradually. Here’s how:
- After adding 2 cups of broth, mix well and check the consistency. The mix should feel moist but not watery.
- Add more broth if it seems too dry, but do so in small amounts to avoid oversaturating.
- When baked, the dressing will absorb some extra moisture, so be confident if it seems a bit on the drier side before baking!
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 1 pound cornbread (preferably day-old or slightly dried), crumbled
- 1 cup all-purpose bread crumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-50 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick dish that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dressing bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep your dressing from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cornbread:
If your cornbread isn’t dried out, crumble it onto a baking sheet. Bake it for about 10 minutes to dry it a bit, which will help with texture. Let it cool once done.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they become tender and translucent. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Combine the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and bread crumbs (if you’re using them for extra texture). Pour in the cooked onions and celery along with the melted butter. Mix everything gently to combine.
5. Add Eggs and Broth:
In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Stir the beaten eggs into the cornbread mixture until evenly distributed. Gradually add chicken broth, starting with 2 cups. Gentle stirring is essential—add more broth if you find the mixture is too dry, ensuring it’s moist but not soggy.
6. Season and Spread:
Season your mix with salt, black pepper, sage, and thyme, folding everything together gently. Transfer the dressing mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake and Finish:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of color and flavor.
Enjoy this Southern Cornbread Dressing as a delightful side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family meal!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread is a great time-saver. Just crumble it into pieces and follow the recipe as usual. If it’s fresh, consider baking it for about 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
How Do I Adjust the Seasonings for My Taste?
Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your preferences! Start with the suggested amounts, then taste the mixture before baking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs like sage and thyme to suit your palate.
Can I Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, add a bit more broth if it seems dry, and bake as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until warm. Adding a splash of broth can help revive the moisture!
