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
Scale
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