Homestyle Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe: A Cozy Classic
Southern comfort calls for a classic cornbread dressing that weaves memories of home-cooked meals and cherished traditions.
This beloved southern cornbread dressing recipe captures the essence of southern hospitality with its rich, savory blend of flavors.
Crumbled cornbread mingles with aromatic herbs and tender chicken, creating a side dish that speaks volumes about culinary heritage.
Generations of southern cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down techniques that make each bite a warm embrace.
Sage, thyme, and a touch of celery add depth to this iconic dish that graces holiday tables across the South.
You’ll find this recipe transforms a simple side into a masterpiece of comfort food that connects generations.
Prepare to be transported to a southern kitchen where love is measured in spoonfuls of pure, delicious tradition.
Reasons to Love Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients Behind Southern Cornbread Dressing
Base Ingredients:Aromatics and Seasonings:Moisture and Binding Ingredients:Preparing Southern Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prepare Crumbly Base
Crumble homemade or store-bought cornbread into a spacious mixing bowl. Add torn white bread or crumbled biscuits to create a delicious bread foundation for the dressing.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables
Heat butter in a skillet over medium warmth. Add finely chopped onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Blend Flavor Enhancers
Combine sautéed vegetables with the bread mixture. Introduce a symphony of seasonings:Gently pour in rich chicken broth, whisk eggs, and incorporate cream of chicken soup if desired.
Stir ingredients until perfectly blended – aim for a moist consistency that holds together without becoming soggy. Adjust liquid as needed to achieve ideal texture.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slide into the oven and bake uncovered, allowing the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the center to set completely, approximately 35-45 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Celebrate
Allow the dressing to rest for a brief 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
Present alongside roasted turkey, succulent ham, or tender chicken for a memorable holiday feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Expert Advice for Southern Cornbread Dressing
Flavor Twists for Southern Cornbread Dressing
Perfect Pairings for Southern Cornbread Dressing
Storing Southern Cornbread Dressing Properly
FAQs
A traditional Southern side dish made from crumbled cornbread, bread, herbs, and vegetables, baked until golden and crispy on top.
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Add chicken broth gradually and mix until the mixture is moist but not soggy – it should hold together without being wet or dry.
Poultry seasoning and sage are classic herbs that provide the traditional Southern flavor profile for this dish.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Southern cornbread dressing brings comfort and tradition to holiday tables with its rich, savory blend of crumbled cornbread, herbs, and aromatic vegetables. Hearty and nostalgic, this classic side dish connects generations through its warm, homemade goodness you’ll treasure at every family gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 4 cups white bread or biscuits, crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
Seasonings and Additional Components:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113 grams) butter
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Prepare homemade cornbread a day in advance or use pre-made version, then meticulously crumble into a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate additional crumbled white bread or biscuits into the same container.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature, melt butter, and gently sauté diced onions and chopped celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed aromatic vegetables and melted butter into the cornbread mixture. Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, sage, black pepper, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Introduce chicken broth, whisked eggs, and cream of chicken soup to the mixture. Blend thoroughly but delicately, maintaining a moist consistency without creating a soggy texture. Adjust liquid content if necessary by incorporating additional broth.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Carefully spread the prepared dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a golden-brown hue and the center sets completely.
- Allow the dressing to rest and stabilize for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Serve alongside roasted turkey, succulent ham, or classic roasted chicken for a traditional holiday feast.
Notes
- Make homemade cornbread for richer flavor and authentic Southern taste. Boxed mixes work in a pinch but lack depth.
- Use day-old bread for better texture, allowing crumbs to absorb liquids more effectively without becoming soggy.
- Adjust liquid ratio carefully to prevent dry or overly wet dressing. Start with less broth and add incrementally while mixing.
- Customize seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for personalized flavor profile that enhances traditional recipe.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson
Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast
Expertise
Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine
Education
The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.
Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.