Print

Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing
Print Recipe

This classic Southern Cornbread Dressing is a moist, savory side dish perfect for holiday feasts or family dinners. Made with day-old cornbread, aromatic vegetables, chicken broth, fresh herbs, and baked to a golden crust, it combines comforting warmth with rich flavor. Easy to customize and full of traditional charm, it pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, or vegetarian mains.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Base

  • 6 cups day-old cornbread, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups warm chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

Aromatic Vegetables

  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (4 tbsp) butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins

  • Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
  • Cooked spicy or mild sausage, browned
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Diced tart apples

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cornbread: Use day-old or slightly dried cornbread and crumble it into bite-sized pieces to create the perfect texture base that absorbs liquids without becoming mushy.
  2. Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until soft and translucent to build the flavor foundation.
  3. Mix the Dressing Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with sautéed vegetables. Add beaten eggs, fresh sage and thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in warm chicken broth while gently tossing to moisten evenly without making it soggy.
  4. Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to develop a light golden crust on top.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the dressing to cool slightly to firm up for easier serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional thyme if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old cornbread to avoid sogginess; fresh cornbread is too moist.
  • Add broth gradually to keep the dressing moist but not soggy.
  • Fresh herbs like sage and thyme enhance flavor more than dried versions.
  • Butter enriches both the vegetable sauté and the overall dish.
  • Cover dressing while baking to retain moisture until browning the top.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cornbread Dressing, Southern Side Dish, Holiday Recipe, Comfort Food, Savory Dressing, Gluten Free Side

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cornbread-dressing/