Description

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any family dinner. Made with homemade or store-bought cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s baked until golden and crispy on top. Rich and moist with an optional touch of heavy cream, this dressing pairs wonderfully with turkey, roast chicken, or ham.

Ingredients

Base

1 batch of homemade cornbread (about 4 cups crumbled)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Eggs

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

Seasonings & Herbs

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cornbread: Bake the cornbread according to your favorite recipe or use store-bought cornbread. Once it’s baked and cooled, crumble it into small pieces, measuring about 4 cups.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their fragrance.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, chicken or vegetable broth, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, and fresh parsley if you choose to use it. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution. For extra richness, gently stir in the heavy cream at this stage.
Assemble the Dressing: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish and press down gently to pack it evenly.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top achieves a golden brown, crispy texture.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove the dressing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm alongside turkey, roast chicken, ham, or as part of a festive meal.

Notes

Using homemade cornbread enhances the flavor, but store-bought works well too.
Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired moisture level in the dressing.
Optional heavy cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be skipped if unavailable.
Ensure not to overbake to avoid dryness; the top should be crispy but the inside moist.