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
Scale
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.
