If there’s one dish that instantly brings up cozy family memories and festive Southern tables, it’s Cornbread Dressing. This classic recipe is a savory celebration of crumbly cornbread, fluffy bread cubes, and a fragrant mix of onions, celery, and fresh herbs. The best part? Every forkful delivers that irresistible, comforting balance of rich flavors and crispy golden edges, making it a beloved side that always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistibly moist and flavorful Cornbread Dressing comes together with simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component, from buttery sautéed veggies to aromatic herbs, works together to create the ultimate holiday side.
- Cornbread (6 cups, crumbled): Use day-old homemade or store-bought cornbread for the best texture—it soaks up flavors beautifully and provides a tender, slightly sweet base.
- White Bread (4 cups, cubed): Day-old bread balances the cornbread and adds a soft, pillowy texture to each bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Melts into the veggies for decadent richness and depth.
- Yellow Onion (1 1/2 cups, chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and savory flavor as the backbone of the aromatics.
- Celery (1 1/2 cups, chopped): Lends a crisp, bright crunch and unmistakable savory notes.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and complexity—don’t skip it!
- Poultry Seasoning (2 teaspoons): The hero blend that delivers signature holiday flavors in every bite.
- Dried Sage (1 teaspoon): Gives an earthy, woodsy essence that’s classic in any dressing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and amplifying each flavor.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth (3 to 4 cups): Provides moisture and savory depth—adjust for your preferred dressing texture.
- Large Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Help bind everything together so you get those perfect, scoopable portions.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens and freshens the dish with just the right pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—this step ensures that your Cornbread Dressing will have those crispy, golden edges everyone loves (and makes cleanup a breeze!).
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Spices
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and let it get nice and foamy. Toss in the chopped onions and celery and cook them slowly, about 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper, and stir for another minute. Your whole kitchen will smell like the holidays!
Step 3: Mix Bread and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and cubed bread. Pour the silky, aromatic vegetable mixture over the bread and toss everything together so all the pieces soak in that buttery goodness.
Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together your broth and lightly beaten eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over your bread and veggies, stirring gently as you go. The trick is to get the Cornbread Dressing evenly moistened—stop adding broth once it’s damp but not soggy.
Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley and Bake
Fold in the chopped parsley for extra freshness and color. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is just set. Your house will smell absolutely incredible!
How to Serve Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
Before bringing your Cornbread Dressing to the table, sprinkle over some more fresh parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper for a pop of color and an inviting look. If you’re feeling festive, add a few whole sage leaves—simple touches that make your dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Southern classic pairs effortlessly with roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a juicy roast chicken. For a true holiday feast, surround the Cornbread Dressing with sides like cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato casserole for a variety of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Bake your dressing in individual ramekins for personal servings, or portion into muffin tins for handheld bites that are perfect for potlucks and buffets. You can even kick it up a notch by folding in cooked sausage or chopped turkey for extra heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cornbread Dressing keeps deliciously moist for days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly in both baked and unbaked forms. If you’re freezing after baking, let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store up to two months. To freeze before baking, assemble the dressing in your dish (but don’t bake), cover and freeze—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, let your Cornbread Dressing come to room temperature, then bake covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if you want to restore some moisture. Individual servings can be microwaved for a quick, cozy snack.
FAQs
Can I make Cornbread Dressing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the white bread and cornbread for your favorite gluten-free versions. The result will still be lush, savory, and packed with flavor—just keep an eye on texture and moisture levels, as gluten-free breads can behave a bit differently.
How do I keep Cornbread Dressing from becoming too soggy or dry?
The secret is to add your liquid gradually, mixing and checking as you go. You want everything moistened but not wet—the mixture should hold its shape if pressed together, but shouldn’t pool with liquid. If you’re making it ahead, check before baking and add a splash of broth as needed.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! Browned breakfast sausage, crumbled cooked bacon, or bits of leftover turkey blend right in for a heartier dressing. Just stir the cooked meat into the mixture before baking for irresistible savory depth.
What type Side Dish
Day-old, slightly stale cornbread works like a charm, as it absorbs liquid beautifully and holds its shape. Avoid overly sweet cornbreads or those with too much moisture—they can throw off the texture of your Cornbread Dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It’s easy to make vegetarian—just swap in vegetable broth for the chicken or turkey broth. All the herbs and aromatics bring plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the meat at all!
Final Thoughts
Bringing Cornbread Dressing to your table is more than just serving a side—it’s about sharing warmth, comfort, and tradition with every bite. If you’ve never made it from scratch, now is the time; trust me, your guests will swoon over how homemade and delicious it tastes. Give it a try and let it become the heart of your next holiday gathering!
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Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This savory cornbread dressing is a classic Southern dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a mix of cornbread, white bread, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with roast turkey or chicken.
Ingredients
Cornbread:
6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
White Bread:
4 cups cubed day-old white bread
Vegetable Mix:
1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion, 1 1/2 cups chopped celery, 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid & Binder:
3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth, 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
Herbs:
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and cook onions, celery until soft. Add garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cornbread, white bread, and pour the vegetable mixture over. In a separate bowl, whisk broth and eggs; pour over the bread mixture.
- Add Parsley: Fold in parsley and transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in cooked and crumbled sausage or chopped cooked turkey.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
