This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a warm, comforting dish packed with delicious flavors. It’s made from crumbled cornbread, veggies, and lots of seasonings that tie it all together!
Honestly, what’s not to love? It pairs perfectly with turkey or chicken, and I often find myself going back for seconds! Just be ready to share (maybe)! 😉
I really appreciate how easy it is to whip up this dressing. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a great way to add a tasty touch to any meal, especially during family gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Using homemade cornbread adds a personal touch to this dish. If you’re short on time, quality store-bought works fine too! If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free cornbread or even a cornbread mix, just follow the package instructions.
White Bread: Day-old white bread is perfect as it holds up better in the dressing. You can swap it with whole wheat bread or even sourdough for a different flavor. Just be sure it’s not too fresh, or it might become mushy.
Vegetables: Onions and celery add essential flavor. If you can’t find celery, try using bell peppers for sweetness. For an extra veggie boost, add mushrooms or carrots — they bring different flavors and textures!
Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary are key for traditional taste. Use fresh herbs if you’re aiming for vibrant flavors! If you don’t have some on hand, Italian seasoning can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth adds richness, vegetable broth is an excellent swap for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is great; otherwise, low-sodium store-bought works too!
How Do I Get That Perfect Texture for Cornbread Dressing?
Getting the texture just right is crucial! You want it moist but not too soggy. Here are some tips:
- Mix the broth gradually. Add just enough until the bread is evenly moistened. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- After baking, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit before serving.
- For a crispy top, make sure to bake uncovered. If it browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Following these tips will help you achieve that golden-brown, fluffy dressing that everyone loves!
The Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 6 cups crumbled dry cornbread (preferably homemade or good quality store-bought)
- 2 cups cubed white bread (day-old)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Binding:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moisture)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southern Cornbread Dressing will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 45-55 minutes to bake. Make sure to factor in an additional 5 minutes for cooling before serving. It’s a simple dish that can be prepared in no time, perfect for family dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish and butter it so the dressing doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and celery, cooking until they’re softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside.
3. Combine the Bread:
In a big mixing bowl, mix together the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread. This is going to be the heart of your dressing!
4. Add the Sautéed Veggies and Herbs:
Add the sautéed onions and celery to your bread mixture. Sprinkle in the parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Prepare the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. This mixture is what binds everything together.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over your bread mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spoon or your hands, making sure the bread is moistened but not soggy. If it looks a little dry, add more chicken broth, a little at a time until it looks right.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake It Up:
Place the dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Let It Cool:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape when you scoop it out!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this warm, delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing as a perfect side to poultry or any favorite Southern dish. Enjoy all that rich flavor with family and friends!
Can I Use Store-bought Cornbread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade cornbread adds a personal touch, high-quality store-bought cornbread works just fine. Just make sure it’s dry and not too fresh to avoid a mushy texture.
How Can I Make This Dressing Vegetarian?
To make this dressing vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. It will still be rich in flavor and delicious!
Can I Prepare the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it fresh the day you plan to serve it for the best texture, and you may need to add a bit more broth before baking if it seems dry.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.