This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a warm and cozy side dish that’s perfect for holidays or family gatherings. Made with sweet cornbread, veggies, and savory broth, it’s simply delicious!
Honestly, who can resist that fluffy texture? I love serving it with gravy—it’s a match made in heaven! This tasty dish always makes me feel right at home. 🏡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread: Homemade cornbread is the best for texture and taste! However, if you’re short on time, store-bought works too. Consider using cornbread mix or even savory muffins as a unique twist!
Onion & Celery: These veggies add flavor and texture. If you want a different taste, try using shallots instead of onions, or bell peppers for a sweeter touch.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought is a great option too. You can replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Just remember it will change the flavor a bit!
Eggs: They help bind everything together. For a vegan option, you could use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or omit them altogether, adjusting the broth slightly.
Poultry Seasoning & Thyme: These herbs give the dressing its savory aroma. If you don’t have poultry seasoning, a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary can work. Fresh herbs are wonderful when in season!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Top for Your Dressing?
A crispy top is one of the best parts of cornbread dressing! Here’s how to achieve that golden crisp:
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. It sets the temperature right from the start.
- Spread the dressing evenly in your baking dish; a thicker layer will take longer to cook.
- Leave it uncovered while baking! This allows moisture to escape, leading to a nice crust.
- If it seems like it’s browning too fast, tent it with foil until it’s fully cooked. Then remove for the last few minutes if you want extra crisp!
Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it to firm up a bit, making serving easier while still remaining fluffy. Enjoy the delightful crunchy top!
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 1 batch homemade cornbread (or 4 cups store-bought cornbread, crumbled)
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes of baking time, plus an additional 5 minutes to cool before serving. Overall, you can have this delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the dressing from sticking. Make sure it’s ready for that tasty mixture!
2. Make or Crumble the Cornbread:
If you’re making homemade cornbread, dress the batter according to your recipe and let it cool. Once cool, crumble it into bite-size pieces. If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought cornbread and crumble it right into a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking them until they are softened and translucent—about 6-8 minutes. Then, take it off the heat and set aside.
4. Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the sautéed onion and celery. Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. This blend is where the magic begins!
5. Add Eggs and Broth:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 cups of chicken broth. Slowly pour this mixture over the cornbread blend, tossing gently as you go. If it feels dry, don’t hesitate to pour in more broth until it’s moist but not soupy.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now it’s time to transfer everything to the greased baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake Until Golden:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40-50 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and have a crispy top that looks absolutely scrumptious!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the dressing sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This way, it can firm up a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy this comforting dish alongside your favorite holiday meals!
There you have it! This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-try and will surely become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread can save you time while still delivering delicious results. Just crumble it into bite-size pieces and follow the recipe as directed. It’s a fantastic shortcut!
How Do I Make This Dressing Vegetarian?
To make this dressing vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also omit the eggs, but if you want a binding agent, consider using flax eggs as a substitute.
Can I Prepare This Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dressing a day in advance. Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of broth before reheating!
