Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

A Comforting Family Tradition

Cornbread dressing is a beloved dish in Southern American cuisine, served at holiday gatherings, family dinners, and even casual get-togethers. It’s a hearty, flavorful side dish that complements everything from turkey to ham. This recipe comes from the heart of Southern traditions, passed down through generations and filled with the warmth of home-cooked comfort. Made with tender cornbread, fragrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of herbs, it’s an essential part of any Southern meal.

The Roots of Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing has its roots in the Deep South, where cornbread itself was a staple of everyday meals. Unlike stuffing, which is typically cooked inside a bird, dressing is baked in a casserole dish. The use of cornbread gives the dressing a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory broth and vegetables. This dish has become a hallmark of Thanksgiving dinners and special occasions in Southern households, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Why Cornbread Dressing is Perfect for Any Meal

While it’s often seen as a holiday dish, cornbread dressing is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re planning a Sunday family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe adds a rustic, homey touch to any meal. With its moist, crumbly texture and savory flavor, it’s the perfect side for roasted meats or even served on its own as a comfort food dish. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully, making it a stress-free addition to any menu.

Ingredients: Gather Your Southern Staples

The beauty of cornbread dressing lies in its simplicity. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator, making it a convenient dish to whip up. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crumbled cornbread
Crumbled white bread
Finely chopped celery
Finely chopped onion
Lightly beaten eggs
Chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
Salt
Ground black pepper
Dried sage (optional)
Butter (for sautéing)
Dried thyme
Poultry seasoning
Freshly chopped parsley
Oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide to Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread and Bread
Start by making your cornbread, either from scratch or using a pre-made mix. Once baked, allow it to cool before crumbling it into a large mixing bowl. You can do this step a day ahead for convenience. Crumble the white bread and add it to the bowl with the cornbread.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onions, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. These vegetables add both flavor and moisture to the dressing, so be sure not to skip this step.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In the large mixing bowl with your cornbread and white bread crumbs, add the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing until the bread mixture reaches your desired consistency. Ensure the mixture is moist without being overly saturated. For a drier consistency, reduce the amount of broth used.Add in the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, sage (if using), thyme, poultry seasoning, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with oil or butter and pour the dressing mixture into it. Evenly distribute the mixture using a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cornbread dressing in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The inside should be moist, but the edges should have a nice crust. If you prefer a softer dressing, cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking. For a crispier top, leave the foil off.

Variations on Classic Cornbread Dressing

One of the best things about cornbread dressing is that it’s highly customizable. Here are a few ways to switch things up and make this recipe your own:

• Add sausage: For a heartier dish, add cooked, crumbled sausage to the mix. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick of flavor.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Some people like to add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. It contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and substitute gluten-free bread for the white bread. The result is just as delicious and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dressing.

Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Helen Margaret Baker

his classic Southern cornbread dressing is a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. Made with crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and chicken broth, it delivers the perfect balance of moist and savory with a hint of rustic charm. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving or a casual family gathering, this dressing is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and gravies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups cornbread crumbled
• 4 slices of white bread crumbled
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 2-3 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried sage optional for a deeper flavor
• 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread and Bread

• Start by making your cornbread, either from scratch or using a pre-made mix. Once baked, allow it to cool before crumbling it into a large mixing bowl. You can do this step a day ahead for convenience. Crumble the white bread and add it to the bowl with the cornbread.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onions, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. These vegetables add both flavor and moisture to the dressing, so be sure not to skip this step.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

• In the large mixing bowl with your cornbread and white bread crumbs, add the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing until the bread mixture reaches your desired consistency. Ensure the mixture is moist without being overly saturated. For a drier consistency, reduce the amount of broth used.Add in the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, sage (if using), thyme, poultry seasoning, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with oil or butter and pour the dressing mixture into it. Evenly distribute the mixture using a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake the cornbread dressing in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The inside should be moist, but the edges should have a nice crust. If you prefer a softer dressing, cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking. For a crispier top, leave the foil off.

Notes

• Add sausage: For a heartier dish, add cooked, crumbled sausage to the mix. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick of flavor.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Some people like to add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. It contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and substitute gluten-free bread for the white bread. The result is just as delicious and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Add nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dressing

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Perfect Pairings for Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some classic pairings that will elevate your dinner:

• Roast turkey or chicken: Cornbread dressing is a must-have for Thanksgiving dinner, especially when served alongside roasted turkey and gravy.
• Honey glazed ham: The slight sweetness of honey glazed ham pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the dressing.
• Pork chops: Serve it with a side of juicy pork chops for a comforting Southern-style dinner.
• Gravy: Whether it’s turkey gravy or giblet gravy, pouring gravy over cornbread dressing is a match made in comfort food heaven.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cornbread dressing can be made ahead and stored for later use, making it an excellent dish for holiday preparation.

• Storage: Once cooled, store the cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze cornbread dressing. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts: A Taste of Southern Comfort

Cornbread dressing is more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition. From holiday dinners to family gatherings, it’s a recipe that brings people together with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some creative variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of Southern cornbread dressing and make it part of your family’s traditions.