This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a cozy side dish made from fluffy cornbread, onions, and celery. It’s perfect for family gatherings and holidays!
Who doesn’t love a dish that feels like a warm hug? Whenever I make it, I can’t resist stealing spoonfuls right from the bowl. It’s simply irresistible!
I enjoy serving this dressing alongside roasted turkey or fried chicken. It’s a great way to bring comfort food to any meal, and it’s easy to whip up too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: The base of this dressing is cornbread. You can use homemade cornbread for the best flavor, or pick up store-bought if you’re short on time. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free cornbread mix!
Onions and Celery: These two add a great depth of flavor. I prefer using sweet onions for a milder taste, but yellow onions work too. If you’d like to avoid celery, you can add diced carrots or bell peppers instead for a different flavor.
Chicken Broth: This gives moisture and richness. For a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth. It’s just as tasty and keeps it hearty!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for cooking. Alternatively, you could use olive oil or any non-dairy butter to make it dairy-free.
How Do I Ensure My Dressing Isn’t Too Dry or Soggy?
Getting the right consistency for your dressing can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Gradually add chicken broth until it’s just right. You want it to be moist but not swimming in liquid. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Mix everything gently – overmixing can make it dense.
- After baking, let the dressing sit for a few minutes. This helps it set up, making it easier to serve.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly textured dressing that everyone will love!
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 1 batch homemade or store-bought cornbread (about 6 cups crumbled)
- 1 cup white bread crumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour to prepare a delicious side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your dressing doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cornbread:
If you’re using homemade cornbread, bake it in advance and allow it to cool. Once cooled, crumble it into medium-sized pieces so it blends well in the dressing.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking them until they soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with delicious aromas!
4. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and the optional white bread crumbs (if using). This will add a lovely texture to your dressing.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the sautéed onion and celery (along with the melted butter) to the crumbled bread mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly.
6. Season the Mixture:
Next, stir in the salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning (or sage), thyme, and parsley. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
7. Add the Eggs:
Beat the eggs in a small bowl and then add them to your mixture. This helps bind everything together!
8. Pour in the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently until the mixture holds together but is not too wet. It should be moist but not soggy, so adjust the amount of broth as needed.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Pack it gently and level off the top, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
10. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color on top which adds to the crispy texture.
11. Let It Rest:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up nicely!
Enjoy your Southern Cornbread Dressing as a comforting addition to your holiday meals or family dinners. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread is a great time-saver. Just crumble it up to make sure it mixes well with the other ingredients. Choose a flavor that you enjoy for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. It adds similar moisture and flavor without any meat products. You can also use homemade broth if you have it on hand!
How Do I Store Leftover Dressing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dressing in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing the day before and refrigerate it before baking. Just ensure it’s tightly covered. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
