This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings. It’s made with fluffy cornbread, veggies, and lots of tasty seasonings!
I love how this dressing brings everyone together around the table. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, it pairs beautifully with turkey or chicken. Who’s ready for seconds? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: The star of this dish! Use cornbread that’s a day or two old for the best texture. Fresh cornbread can be too moist. If you don’t have cornbread, you can substitute with dried bread crumbs or even store-bought stuffing mix.
Onion and Celery: These add great flavor. If you’re not a fan of either, you can swap in chopped leeks or shallots for a milder taste. Chopped bell peppers also work well for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here for better control over salt levels. Feel free to use olive oil or even vegan butter if you want to keep this dish dairy-free.
Chicken Broth: This keeps your dressing moist. If you want a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute. You can also use homemade stock for a deeper flavor.
Poultry Seasoning: This spice blend brings the flavors of Thanksgiving to life. If you don’t have it, a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary will give similar results.
How Do I Get the Right Texture in My Cornbread Dressing?
The texture of your cornbread dressing is key to making it enjoyable. You want it moist but not soggy. Here’s how to achieve that perfect balance:
- Use day-old cornbread. This helps it absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- When mixing in the broth and egg mixture, pour it slowly and stir gently. You want everything to be evenly moist.
- If you think it’s too dry, gradually add more broth until it feels just right.
- During baking, the edges should get golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Trust your instincts when checking for doneness. The dressing should feel firm to the touch but not hard.
The Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably a day or two old)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moisture)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 45 to 50 minutes for baking. Total time is approximately 1 hour, including a bit of cooling time before serving. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced onions and celery. Sauté these until they become tender and translucent, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. This step adds wonderful flavor to your dressing!
3. Combine with Cornbread:
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the crumbled cornbread with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Gently mix them together so you can enjoy the lovely flavors once baked.
4. Season the Mixture:
Add in the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cornbread mixture.
5. Add Liquid Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add in the chicken broth. Slowly pour this mixture over the cornbread mix while stirring lightly. You want the mixture to be moist but not soggy, so add more broth only if necessary to get the right consistency.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer your dressing mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This ensures even cooking and a nice top layer.
7. Bake It Up:
Place your prepared dressing in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the center to set.
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the dressing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it firm up a bit and makes serving easier!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve warm as a delicious side dish. This Southern Cornbread Dressing is packed with savory flavors, creating a wonderful addition to any meal!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread can save time, especially when you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to crumble it well, and ideally, let it sit out for a day to dry a bit before using it in the dressing.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of the Dressing?
If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add cooked sausage or bacon to the mixture for extra richness. Additionally, incorporating chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary can elevate the taste even further!
Can I Make This Dressing Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use olive oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. You may want to add a little broth to keep it moist when reheating.
