If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that perfectly captures the heart of Southern cooking, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s that golden, flavorful side that brings joy to any holiday table or family dinner, with a delightful mix of tender cornbread, savory herbs, and just the right hint of buttery goodness. Each bite is a nostalgic hug from the South, a dish that celebrates tradition and simple ingredients turned into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe relies on straightforward yet essential ingredients, each playing a special role in building those layered flavors and that perfect texture. From the crumbled cornbread that forms the heart of the dish to the fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, everything works together beautifully.
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread: Preferably day-old to absorb flavors better without becoming mushy.
- 4 slices white bread: Toasted and cubed for added texture and bulk.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: For sautéing and enriching the overall flavor.
- 1 medium onion: Finely chopped to bring subtle sweetness and aroma.
- 3 celery stalks: Finely chopped, adding a crisp freshness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse warm, savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: A classic blend that enhances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Bringing earthiness and that quintessential Southern taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance and highlight all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten to bind the dressing together.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth: To moisten and meld everything perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh hint at the end.
How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your dressing will bake evenly and release easily once it’s golden and perfect.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are wonderfully softened. Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to let those aromas bloom before removing the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Combine All the Ingredients
Into a large mixing bowl, add your crumbled day-old cornbread along with the toasted and cubed white bread. Pour the sautéed vegetative mixture over the top, followed by the beaten eggs and 2 cups of your chosen broth. Mix everything well but gently—the dressing mixture should feel moist yet not soggy. If it seems dry, add a little more broth to reach that perfect consistency.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the dressing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown, and the center feels set. Allow the dressing to cool slightly before serving to let all the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top right before serving adds a beautiful pop of green and a subtle herbal brightness that compliments the rich, buttery tones of this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. If you’re feeling festive, a few extra turns of fresh black pepper or a light drizzle of pan jus can elevate presentation and taste even more.
Side Dishes
This cornbread dressing is the perfect match for roast turkey, baked ham, or even fried chicken. Pair it with green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp salad to balance the richness. It makes any meal feel like a special occasion with its comforting texture and classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative spin, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe can be stuffed inside poultry or baked in individual ramekins for charming personal servings. You could also top it with crispy fried onions or sprinkle with grated cheese during the last few minutes of baking for an irresistible crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Cornbread Dressing keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve moisture and richness, ensuring every bite remains as flavorful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe later, you can freeze it before baking. Place the prepared mixture in a freezer-safe container, tightly sealed, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dressing with foil to prevent it from drying out and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. For a crispier top, uncover in the last 5 minutes of reheating. This keeps it almost as delightful as when first served.
FAQs
Can I make this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken or turkey broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you have a delicious vegetarian-friendly version that still captures all that Southern comfort and flavor.
Is day-old cornbread really necessary?
Using day-old or slightly dried cornbread helps the dressing hold its shape better by absorbing the moisture from the broth without becoming mushy, creating the ideal texture for this dish.
Can I add meat to this dressing?
Definitely. Traditional twists often include cooked sausage or chopped boiled eggs tossed into the mixture before baking. This enriches the dish and adds a delightful protein boost.
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
You can easily substitute with a mix of dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram. These herbs bring a similar earthy and savory profile perfect for this Southern favorite.
How do I know when the dressing is fully cooked?
The dressing is done when the top is a golden brown and the center feels set to the touch without jiggle. It should not be wet or mushy in the middle.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into pure comfort. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned fan, this recipe invites you to bring a little Southern warmth and joy to your table. So, gather your ingredients and make a batch; your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it.
Print
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe featuring crumbled cornbread, toasted white bread, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned broth, baked to golden perfection. This comforting side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal and offers an option to be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
- 4 slices white bread (toasted and cubed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the dressing after baking.
- Sauté vegetables and seasonings: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and celery, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until they soften. Stir in minced garlic, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the crumbled day-old cornbread and toasted cubed white bread. Add the sautéed vegetables and seasonings from the skillet, beaten eggs, and 2 cups of broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. The mixture should be moist but not soggy; add additional broth in small increments if needed to achieve the proper consistency.
- Transfer and bake: Pour the prepared dressing mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dressing is golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the dressing to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For richer flavor, substitute chicken or turkey broth with turkey drippings.
- The dressing can be prepared a day in advance; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
- Add cooked sausage or chopped boiled eggs for a traditional twist and added protein.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit animal-derived seasonings.
