There’s just something about Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing that pulls everyone together around the table. Its golden, savory goodness speaks of heritage and holidays, but I’m convinced it deserves a spot at every comforting meal, not just Thanksgiving! With its crispy edges, soft center, and a medley of classic seasonings, this dressing is the taste of Southern hospitality on a spoon—one bite will tug at your heartstrings and have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good dressing is all about a handful of humble, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Each item here has a specific role, bringing either rich flavor, tender texture, or aromatic depth to Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing.
- Cornbread: Day-old, crumbled cornbread is the magical base, lending that signature texture and corn-kissed flavor.
- Dry white bread cubes: These add body and stability, helping the dressing hold together without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter: For richness, moisture, and a touch of that classic Southern indulgence.
- Chopped yellow onion: A sweet, mellow counterpoint to the savory bread, adding color and subtle depth.
- Chopped celery: Brings a gentle crunch and freshness, keeping things lively.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Infuses every bite with savory comfort—homemade or store-bought, it’s the backbone of flavor.
- Large eggs (beaten): The essential binder, ensuring the dressing is sliceable without being dry.
- Poultry seasoning: A fragrant, herby blend that brings an unmistakable holiday aroma.
- Dried sage: Traditional and absolutely necessary for that true Southern nostalgia.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: For gentle heat and warm spice.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will keep the dressing from sticking and give you those deliciously crispy corners everyone fights for.
Step 2: Sauté Celery and Onions
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the chopped onions and celery, then let them cook gently, stirring often, until everything is tender and aromatic, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step softens the vegetables, drawing out their sweetness and infusing the butter with all that savory goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Breads and Veggies
Tumble the crumbled cornbread and dry white bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. Add in your sautéed onions and celery, and give it all a gentle toss. This creates the hearty, textured backbone of your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing.
Step 4: Whisk the Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful liquid brings moisture and binds everything together, ensuring that sage and savory elements season every single bite.
Step 5: Combine and Moisten
Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly until the entire mixture is well moistened. If it looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash or two more broth—different breads soak up moisture at different rates, so trust your eyes and hands here!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is just set. Give it 10 minutes out of the oven before serving so the flavors can settle and slices hold together perfectly.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
Dress it up with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a hit of color, or add a few crispy fried onions on top for a touch of crunch and flair. A little extra sage scattered over right before serving can heighten those nostalgic holiday vibes.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing begs to be served with all the classics: roast turkey or chicken, velvety mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and a pool of rich homemade gravy. Don’t forget loads of seasonal veggies or a simple green salad to round out the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your holiday table a twist by baking the dressing in individual ramekins for personal servings, or use pretty vintage casserole dishes for tradition and charm. You can even stuff scoops of the dressing into hollowed-out acorn squash halves for a show-stopping vegetarian option!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover dressing to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days—just the thing for late-night sneaks or next-day sandwiches.
Freezing
Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing freezes like a dream! Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll hold its own for up to three months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, adding a bit of extra broth if it needs refreshing. For quick servings, use the microwave, but keep it covered to retain moisture and tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade is lovely, store-bought cornbread (preferably a day old) will still give you that authentic Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing texture and flavor. Just avoid sweet varieties for the truest taste.
Should I dry out the bread cubes before mixing?
Yes! Using day-old or lightly toasted bread cubes is crucial. Fresh bread tends to turn soggy, while dry bread holds up and soaks in all those savory flavors for perfect consistency.
What’s the difference between dressing and stuffing?
Traditionally, “stuffing” is cooked inside the bird, while “dressing” is baked separately in a dish. In the South, we almost always bake our Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing on its own, so it gets those delicious crispy edges!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken or turkey broth for vegetable broth and leave out any extra meat add-ins. You’ll still capture all the savory, wholesome flavors everyone loves.
Why does my dressing turn out too dry or too wet?
Every batch differs based on your cornbread, bread type, and even humidity! Always add broth gradually and stop when the mixture feels thoroughly moist, but not soupy. If it seems too dry after baking, a splash of warm broth can revive it.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing from scratch, now is the time to bring this classic dish to your own table. There’s so much love and memory packed into every forkful—and trust me, your family will ask for it long after the holidays are over!
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Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a flavorful blend of cornbread, white bread, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Cornbread:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old)
White Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups dry white bread cubes
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
Broth Mixture:
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon 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 butter and sauté onion and celery until softened.
- Mix Bread: In a large bowl, combine cornbread, white bread, and sautéed vegetables.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk broth, eggs, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Pour over bread mixture.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish and bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and set. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- This dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Add cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier version.
- Use homemade cornbread for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
