The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe for Holiday Magic

Southern cornbread dressing carries deep memories of comfort and tradition in kitchens across the southern United States.

Grandmothers carefully crafted this side dish with love and precise techniques passed through generations.

Crisp autumn afternoons always smell amazing when sage and herbs mingle with crumbled cornbread.

Warm aromas drift through the kitchen, promising something special waiting to be shared.

Soft textures and rich flavors combine in this classic recipe that connects people through delicious culinary heritage.

Packed with savory ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate this treasured dish that speaks to southern hospitality.

Dive into this recipe and experience a taste of genuine southern cooking magic.

FAQs

• Is cornbread the only bread I can use?

You can use a combination of cornbread and white bread or biscuits. Some people even add sourdough or day-old bread for extra texture and flavor.

• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day before baking. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when you’re ready to cook.

• How do I know if my dressing is too dry or too wet?

The mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it feels dry, add more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, add more bread crumbs to absorb excess liquid.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Classic

• Boost Family Comfort: A classic Southern recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings, creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow personalization by adding different herbs, adjusting seasoning, or incorporating additional mix-ins like sausage or herbs.
• Master Traditional Cooking: Perfect for home cooks wanting to learn authentic Southern culinary techniques with straightforward preparation steps and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile side dish that complements multiple main courses, making it ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, and large family celebrations.

Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Cornbread: The foundation of the dressing, providing a southern-style texture and distinctive flavor.
• White Bread or Biscuits: Adds additional body and helps create a fluffy, soft texture.

• Onion, Celery: Provides a classic savory base that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dressing.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables while contributing to the overall flavor.
• Poultry Seasoning, Sage: Delivers traditional holiday herb notes that complement the bread mixture.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Enhances and balances the other flavors in the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to hold the dressing together.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Optional ingredient that provides additional moisture and creaminess.

Instructions for Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Craft Cornbread Base

Create a delicious cornbread the day before or use pre-made. Gently crumble the cornbread into a spacious mixing bowl.

Add crumbled white bread or flaky biscuits to the same bowl, creating a delightful bread mixture that will become the heart of your dressing.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat a skillet over medium flame and melt butter until it’s bubbling and golden.

Toss in finely chopped onions and crisp celery, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Blend Flavor Enhancers

• Poultry seasoning
• Dried sage
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Introduce chicken broth, beaten eggs, and cream of chicken soup.

Gently fold everything together until well combined. The mixture should feel moist but not soggy – add extra broth if it seems too dry.

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 for 35-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a center that’s set and inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the dressing to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. Serve alongside roasted turkey, succulent ham, or tender chicken.

This classic Southern side dish will steal the show at any holiday gathering!

Tips to Nail Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Let cornbread cool completely before crumbling to get ideal texture and prevent clumping during mixing.
• Add chicken broth gradually to ensure dressing stays moist but not soggy – aim for a consistency like thick oatmeal.
• Toast herbs like sage and poultry seasoning in butter before adding to enhance their rich, deep flavor profile.
• Cover with foil during first 25 minutes of baking to maintain moisture, then uncover for final 10-15 minutes to achieve golden crispy top.
• Make cornbread and chop vegetables a day before to reduce day-of cooking stress and allow flavors to develop more intensely.

Flavor Variations on Cornbread Dressing

• Herb Garden Dressing: Replace poultry seasoning with fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a vibrant, aromatic version that brings garden-fresh flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread Dressing: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to add a kick of heat and southwestern flair to the traditional Southern-style dressing.
• Mushroom Sausage Dressing: Mix in crumbled breakfast sausage and sautéed wild mushrooms for a hearty, rich variation that transforms the classic side dish into a more robust accompaniment.
• Mediterranean Inspired Dressing: Swap out traditional herbs for oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, and include chopped kalamata olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired cornbread dressing with bright, tangy notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Cornbread Dressing

• Roast Turkey Symphony: Classic roasted turkey perfectly complements the dressing's rich, savory flavors. The crispy herb-infused cornbread mixture creates a delightful texture contrast with tender turkey meat.
• Southern Cranberry Splash: Tart cranberry sauce adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the dense, buttery dressing. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Choose a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the meal. These wines offer subtle oak and citrus notes that beautifully match the herb-seasoned dressing's complexity.

Proper Storage for Cornbread Dressing

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread dressing in a baking dish, drizzle with extra broth, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting Southern cornbread dressing brings classic holiday flavors to your table with a hearty blend of crumbled cornbread, herbs, and savory chicken broth. Generations of family traditions shine through this beloved side dish that warms hearts and delights dinner guests.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread foundation by crumbling day-old cornbread and white bread into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a consistent texture and size for even blending.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until vegetables transform into a translucent and tender state, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Transfer the aromatic sautéed vegetables and remaining butter into the bread mixture, incorporating them thoroughly with a gentle folding motion.
4. Season the mixture with poultry seasoning, sage, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt, distributing the spices evenly to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Introduce chicken broth, whisked eggs, and cream of chicken soup to the bread mixture. Stir carefully to maintain a cohesive yet not overly saturated consistency. Adjust liquid quantity if the texture appears too dry or wet.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring proper temperature for optimal cooking and browning.
7. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and promote a crispy exterior.
8. Carefully spread the seasoned bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
9. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a golden-brown color and the center becomes firm and set.
10. Remove from oven and allow the dressing to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and structure to stabilize before serving alongside traditional holiday proteins.

Notes

• Make homemade cornbread a day ahead for deeper, richer flavor and better texture absorption.
• Crumble breads into similar-sized pieces to ensure even moisture and consistent baking throughout the dish.
• Sauté vegetables in butter slowly to develop caramelized, sweet undertones that enhance the overall dressing complexity.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dressing from becoming too salty or overwhelming.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 286 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg