Southern Cornbread Dressing is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or holidays. Made with delicious cornbread, savory broth, and tasty herbs, it warms the belly and heart!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy top and fluffy center? 😋 I love to serve it alongside turkey and gravy—it just makes everything better! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is always a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: The heart of this dish! For the best flavor and texture, use day-old cornbread. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought cornbread works too. Just make sure it’s slightly dried out.
Onions and Celery: They provide a great base flavor. If you’re not a fan of either, you could substitute with leeks or shallots for onions and bell peppers for celery. Just know it’ll change the taste a bit!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here, as it lets you control the saltiness of your dish. For a dairy-free version, try using olive oil or vegan margarine instead.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor! Vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian option, and feel free to use homemade broth for a richer taste.
Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary are classic herbs for dressing. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning can be a quick substitute. Just be generous with it!
How Do I Safely Prepare Cornbread Dressing?
Making cornbread dressing is pretty simple, but a few steps require attention for great results. Here’s how to get it right:
- Drying the Cornbread: If using fresh cornbread, let it sit out, covered, for several hours or overnight. This helps it soak up the broth without getting mushy.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Cook onions and celery until soft in butter. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it! Keep the heat at a medium level to avoid burning.
- Mixing the Ingredients: When combining everything, add broth slowly. You want a wet but not soggy mix. It should hold together without creating a puddle.
- Baking: Aim for a golden-brown color on top. Every oven is different, so check at the 45-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Let it rest after removing from the oven. It’ll firm up a bit and be much easier to scoop! Enjoy your Southern Cornbread Dressing with all your favorite festive dishes!
The Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or cooked turkey giblets for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Perfect for whipping up while your main dish cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cornbread:
If you’re using fresh cornbread, let it dry out for a few hours or overnight to get the best texture. Once it’s a bit stale, crumble the cornbread into medium-sized pieces. This helps it soak up all the delicious flavors!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onions and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened and translucent. This will create a lovely base flavor for your dressing!
4. Mix it All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the cooked onions and celery. Add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, rosemary, and chopped parsley. If you’re adding the optional sausage or giblets, mix them in now as well.
5. Add the Chicken Broth:
Gradually stir in the chicken broth, a little at a time, until the mixture is moist but not soupy. You want everything combined well, but remember, you can always add more broth if needed!
6. Transfer and Spread:
Once everything is combined, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7. Bake Until Golden:
Bake your dressing in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown top that’s crispy!
8. Cool and Serve:
After removing the dressing from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes. This will help it firm up just a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy this classic Southern dish with turkey, gravy, and all your favorite sides!
Can I Use Fresh Cornbread Instead of Day-Old?
Yes, you can use fresh cornbread, but it’s best to let it dry out for a few hours or overnight. This helps achieve the right texture in your dressing, preventing it from becoming too soggy.
What If I Don’t Have All the Herbs?
No problem! If you’re missing any specific herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary, you can use Italian seasoning as an alternative. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as it can be more potent.
Can I Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cornbread mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating!
