This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a delicious mix of fluffy cornbread, broth, and vegetables. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially during holidays or family gatherings!
Making this dressing is easy! Just crumble the cornbread, mix with the ingredients, and bake. It’s always a hit, and everyone loves the warm, cozy flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Day-old cornbread works best because it’s drier, giving the dressing a great texture. If you don’t have cornbread, you can use store-bought mixes, or even homemade if you prefer a personalized touch!
White Bread: The cubed white bread adds a soft texture contrast. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free bread instead. Just make sure it’s a bit stale to prevent sogginess.
Chicken Broth: This is key for flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a great substitute. You can also use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Poultry Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs that enhance flavor. If you don’t have it, mixing sage, thyme, and marjoram will work just as well. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice!
How Do You Ensure Your Dressing Isn’t Dry?
The moisture level of your dressing is crucial for great flavor and texture. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use enough broth: Start with 2 cups and add more if it seems too dry. You want it to feel like a well-mixed dough.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the dressing in the oven. You want a golden top and moist inside—check around the 40-minute mark.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow it to sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and keeps it from crumbling apart when serving.
How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups cubed white bread (optional, for texture contrast)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moistness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and marjoram)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 40-45 minutes for baking. So, you can expect the entire process to take around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple dish that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dressing starts cooking evenly right away. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook them until they are softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Bread:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread (if you’re using it). The mix of textures will add depth to your dressing.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the sautéed vegetables and melted butter to the bowl with the bread mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Season the Mixture:
Add the poultry seasoning, dried parsley (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. This step adds lovely flavor to your dressing—you want it to be well-seasoned!
6. Add Eggs and Broth:
Beat the eggs and pour them over the mixture. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. You want the mixture to be moist but not soggy, so add broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
8. Bake It Up:
Bake the dressing uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the dressing firm to the touch. It’s a great idea to watch it closely during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
9. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the dressing from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This rest period helps the flavors meld together nicely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your classic Southern Cornbread Dressing warm as a hearty side dish during holidays or simply for a cozy family dinner. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread can be a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s a bit stale or let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly; this will help achieve the right texture in your dressing.
What If I Don’t Have Poultry Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily create your own blend using dried herbs like sage, thyme, and marjoram. Just mix equal parts of each until you reach about a tablespoon—perfect for adding that classic flavor!
Can I Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance! Just assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture or microwave individual portions until heated through.
