Name: Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 6 cups crumbled cornbread; 4 cups day-old white bread, cubed; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re looking for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing side that tastes like Southern hospitality on a plate, Southern Cornbread Dressing delivers every time. This classic dish combines tender pieces of homemade cornbread and bread with sautéed vegetables, fragrant herbs, and just the right amount of rich broth. It’s savory, comforting, and perfect for special occasions—but honestly, you’ll be tempted to enjoy it all year long. Family memories and holiday traditions are practically baked right in, making every bite a trip back home.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Cornbread Dressing is in its blend of simple, down-to-earth ingredients—each one plays an important role in building those signature layers of flavor and fluffy, golden texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single component:

Cornbread (6 cups, crumbled): The centerpiece! Homemade or store-bought, slightly dry is best for soaking up those savory flavors.
Day-old white bread (4 cups, cubed): Adds soft structure and helps the dressing hold together nicely.
Onion (1 cup, finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t be shy with the onions!
Celery (1 cup, finely chopped): Brings freshness and a gentle crunch, balancing out the richness.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds essential Southern richness and helps gently cook those veggies.
Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with warm, peppery notes that scream holidays.
Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy flavor and that distinct, comforting herbaceous aroma.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the mix.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a little kick and balances out the savoriness.
Eggs (2 large, beaten): Hold everything together and give the dressing a light, tender bite.
Chicken or turkey broth (3 to 4 cups): The key to moisture and flavor—add it gradually to avoid dryness or sogginess.
Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): Offers a pop of color and herbal brightness if you love a fresh finish.

How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. These first few steps are all about setting yourself up for success—ensuring that glorious golden crust slides out of the pan with zero worries!

Step 2: Sauté Those Aromatics

Grab your largest skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, then sauté gently until they’re soft and fragrant, about 7 to 8 minutes. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like love—take a moment to savor it!

Step 3: Combine Breads and Flavorings

In the biggest mixing bowl you have, combine your crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread. Pour in the sautéed veggies, then sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. This is where Southern Cornbread Dressing really starts to bloom with flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Broth

Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture, followed by 3 cups of broth. Stir everything together gently, just until well moistened—if the mix feels a bit dry, splash in a little more broth. You want it damp but not soupy, so it bakes tender without turning out gummy.

Step 5: Stir in Parsley and Bake

If you’re using parsley, toss it in now for a fresh finish. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before you dig in—perfection always needs a moment!

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

Dress up your Southern Cornbread Dressing for the table with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, snipped chives, or even crispy fried onions for a little crunch. A light dusting of extra sage takes the aroma up a notch, making each serving look as special as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This classic pairs beautifully with holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or roast chicken. For a well-rounded Southern feast, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, collard greens, or simply a colorful cranberry compote.

Creative Ways to Present

While a big, bubbling casserole dish is traditional, consider baking the dressing in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or use biscuit cutters to serve tidy rounds. Leftovers make magical stuffing for bell peppers, or even as the flavor-packed base for breakfast hash!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any remaining Southern Cornbread Dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats beautifully, soaking up even more savory richness as it sits, so those second-day servings taste just as heavenly.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked (or unbaked) dressing for up to three months. I like to cut it into squares first for quick, easy portions. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag—label it so you’ll remember that homemade deliciousness is waiting!

Reheating

To reheat, let thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Bake, covered with foil, at 325°F until hot throughout—or zap individual servings in the microwave for a speedy side. Add a splash of broth if it needs freshening up, and fluff lightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing without eggs?

Yes! If you prefer an eggless version, try substituting with extra broth and a tablespoon of ground flaxseed blended with water for binding. The dressing will still hold together and taste wonderful.

What if my dressing turns out too dry or too wet?

If it’s dry after baking, warm up some extra broth and gently stir it in a little at a time before serving. If it’s too wet, bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer uncovered to help it firm up and develop a crispier top.

Can I add meat to make it heartier?

Absolutely! Southern Cornbread Dressing is fabulous with cooked, chopped chicken, turkey, or even sausage folded into the mix before baking—just be sure to account for any additional seasonings depending on what you add.

Is fresh or store-bought cornbread better?

Homemade is always special, but good store-bought cornbread works in a pinch—just let it dry out a bit first so it absorbs all those savory juices without going mushy.

Can I prepare Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble it a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature and bake when you need it. Advance prep lets those flavors marry beautifully, making for an even tastier dish!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Southern Cornbread Dressing, now is truly the time to start a delicious new tradition. Every forkful is comfort, nostalgia, and pure Southern flavor stitched together. I hope you love it as much as my family does—don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds!

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a classic holiday side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. It features a delicious blend of cornbread, white bread, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

6 cups crumbled cornbread

White Bread:

4 cups day-old white bread, cubed

Vegetables:

1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery

Seasonings:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding:

2 large eggs, beaten
3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth

Optional:

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion and celery until soft.
Mix Ingredients: Combine cornbread, white bread, cooked vegetables, seasonings, eggs, and broth. Add parsley if desired.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.