Name: Southern Cornbread Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484144H20M17S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought); 4 cups day-old white bread or biscuits, crumbled; 1 stick (½ cup) butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 ribs celery, finely chopped; 2 tsp poultry seasoning; 1 tsp dried sage (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 2 cups chicken broth (or more as needed for moisture); 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (optional but makes it extra rich)

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There’s nothing more comforting than a big helping of Southern cornbread dressing. It’s the dish that ties together any holiday meal and fills the house with an irresistible aroma of herbs, cornbread, and savory goodness. Whether it’s served alongside turkey, ham, or fried chicken, this Southern classic will steal the show at the dinner table. Trust me, you’ll want to save room for this one!

Why You’ll Love Southern Cornbread Dressing

This dressing isn’t just a side dish—it’s a tradition. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Perfectly Flavorful: The combination of cornbread, onions, celery, and seasonings creates a dish that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
Comfort Food at Its Finest: It’s rich, savory, and just the right texture—crisp on top, soft and moist inside.
Versatile: Great for any occasion, but especially perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s also an ideal companion to any roast or fried chicken.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what makes this cornbread dressing a classic:

Cornbread: The base of this dish. If you have leftover cornbread, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. If not, you can easily bake a quick batch to get started.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dressing.
Onions & Celery: These two ingredients add a savory, aromatic depth to the dressing.
Chicken Broth: This keeps the dressing moist and helps bring everything together.
Eggs: Bind the dressing and give it structure.
Sage & Thyme: The essential herbs that give Southern cornbread dressing its signature flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of flavor.
Bell Pepper (Optional): For a little color and a touch of sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your own Southern cornbread dressing? Follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Cornbread: If you’re making cornbread from scratch, bake it first and let it cool completely before crumbling it up. You’ll need about 4 cups of crumbled cornbread for this recipe.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, and seasonings (sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Stir in the eggs and pour in the chicken broth, mixing everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the cornbread mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy: Once it’s done, let the dressing sit for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect alongside any main course.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

This dressing is the perfect companion to your holiday meals or any hearty meal! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

With Roasted Meats: It pairs wonderfully with turkey, roast chicken, or ham. The savory dressing complements the flavors of roasted meats.
With Gravy: Pour some rich turkey gravy or chicken gravy over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
As a Side for Fried Chicken: If you’re making fried chicken, this cornbread dressing is the perfect side to balance the crunchiness of the chicken.
With Collard Greens or Green Beans: Add some greens to the meal for a well-rounded Southern feast.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. On the day of serving, bake it as instructed. This also allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Customize: Add some cooked sausage, bacon, or even chopped apples for a twist on the classic recipe.
Freeze It: This dressing freezes well, so if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring it back to life.
Adjust the Moisture: If your dressing seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth until you get the desired consistency. It should be moist but not soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cornbread dressing ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble the dressing the day before and bake it on the day you plan to serve it. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q2: Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have homemade cornbread, store-bought works just fine. Just crumble it up and proceed with the recipe.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and it will be just as delicious.

Q4: Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
A4: Yes! Just assemble the dressing, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, you can either thaw it in the fridge overnight or bake it straight from frozen (just add a little extra time).

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy top.

Q6: Can I make this dressing spicier?
A6: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat the dressing in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy on top.

Q8: Can I add protein to this dressing?
A8: Yes! Cooked sausage or diced chicken can be added for extra flavor and protein.

Q9: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A9: While cornbread is traditional, you can use other breads like French bread or even leftover rolls if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.

Q10: Can I make this dish without eggs?
A10: Yes! You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.

Conclusion

Southern cornbread dressing is a true comfort food classic that’ll make any meal feel extra special. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or holiday celebration. So, grab your cornbread, get baking, and enjoy this delicious Southern dish that’s bound to bring smiles to the table!