If you want to bring the warmth and comfort of Southern tradition right to your table, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is that unforgettable dish that feels like a big family hug. It has golden cornbread, savory aromatics, hints of sage and poultry seasoning—plus that just-right moist texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re gathering for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or just craving a touch of home, this recipe blends simple ingredients into something absolutely magical. Let’s make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing part of your celebrations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is how a handful of classic ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one adds a special touch—whether it’s flavor, texture, or those little pops of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you can’t skip a single one!
- Cornbread (1 pan, about 8 cups, crumbled): The soul of this dressing; it lends a sweet, tender crumb and signature flavor that defines the whole dish.
- Day-old white bread (4 cups, cubed): Acts as the perfect partner to cornbread, soaking up flavors and helping with structure so your dressing is just moist enough.
- Butter (1 tablespoon for sautéing): Gives richness when sautéing the vegetables and helps blend those flavors beautifully.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): A flavor foundation—sautéed onion brings sweet depth and aroma to every bite.
- Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Provides that savory crunch and essential herbal aroma Southern dressings are known for.
- Chicken or turkey broth (3 cups): Moistens and infuses the dressing with meaty, mellow flavor—use homemade for extra goodness!
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Help bind everything together for a perfectly scoopable, cohesive dressing.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality throughout the dish.
- Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing its warm, holiday flavor—think sage, thyme, and a hint of pepper.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Highlights that classic Southern aroma and takes the flavor up a notch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—taste and adjust as needed.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your dressing doesn’t stick and comes out golden on the bottom.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and giving off that mouthwatering aroma. This quick step is what sets your dressing apart—every bite gets a little burst of flavor from these veggies.
Step 3: Mix the Breads
In a large mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and the cubed day-old white bread. The mix of textures is classic for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing—soft with a bit of structure, making each scoop hearty and satisfying.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Vegetables
Now toss in the sautéed onions and celery along with the poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. This is where all your savory flavors start to mingle together, filling the bowl with those nostalgic holiday scents.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, followed by the melted butter and beaten eggs. Stir the mixture gently until everything is evenly moistened but not drowning—the bread should soak up most of the moisture, but the dressing shouldn’t be soupy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the dressing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden, and the center should set up without drying out. Let it cool slightly before serving so the flavors can settle in every bite.
How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
To give your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or sage just before serving. A dash of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of melted butter never hurts either! This little bit of garnish adds color and a hint more flavor that makes the dish special.
Side Dishes
This dressing is a star side for big holiday feasts. Pair it with roast turkey, juicy ham, or savory chicken. For a complete Southern spread, add buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet cranberry sauce, or a leafy green salad. Mama’s Cornbread Dressing goes with almost everything—especially cozy comfort foods.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, you can serve the dressing in individual ramekins or muffin tins for pretty, personal-size servings. Or spoon it into hollowed-out roasted squash halves for an elegant, seasonal twist. However you serve it, this dish always looks inviting and festive on your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep perfectly for up to four days. The flavors might get even richer after resting overnight, so don’t hesitate to sneak a cold bite!
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream. Let the baked dressing cool completely, then wrap it tightly (or put slices in a freezer-safe container). Store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked taste, reheat Mama’s Cornbread Dressing in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. If it looks a little dry, drizzle on a splash of broth before baking. You can also microwave single portions for fast leftovers on busy days without losing too much of the flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the day-old white bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf and use gluten-free cornbread. The texture will still be tender and delicious—no one will know the difference.
What’s the difference between dressing and stuffing?
It’s all about how it’s cooked! Dressing is baked in its own dish (as in this recipe), while stuffing goes inside the turkey. Flavor-wise, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is moist, savory, and perfectly seasoned either way, but baking it separately gives a nice golden crust.
Can I add meat to the recipe?
Definitely. For added richness, stir in about a cup of chopped cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage right before baking. It makes the dressing even heartier and transforms it into a main course for smaller gatherings.
What if my dressing seems dry before baking?
No worries—just add a splash more broth, a little at a time, stirring until the mixture holds together and feels moist but not soggy. The type Side Dish.
Can Mama’s Cornbread Dressing be prepared ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re nearly ready to serve, simply bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven).
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is more than just a side dish—it’s a beloved tradition and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait for the holidays to make it; your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas and plenty of smiles. Give this recipe a try and let it become part of your own family memories!
Print
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern American side dish that is a must-have for holiday gatherings. This recipe combines the flavors of cornbread, white bread, savory seasonings, and aromatic vegetables to create a comforting and delicious dressing that pairs perfectly with roasted meats.
Ingredients
Cornbread:
- 1 pan crumbled cornbread
White Bread:
- 4 cups cubed day-old white bread
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Seasonings:
- 3 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine cornbread, white bread, sautéed vegetables, seasonings, broth, melted butter, and eggs in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade broth or add cooked chicken/turkey.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Adjust broth amount based on bread dryness.
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