Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, savory Southern Cornbread Dressing at your holiday table. If you grew up in the South, chances are this dish is a staple at your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. But even if you didn’t, once you try this homemade, from-scratch cornbread dressing, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Many people debate whether to call it stuffing or dressing—but in the South, we know the truth: stuffing goes inside the bird, and dressing is baked separately! This cornbread dressing is perfectly seasoned, moist but not soggy, and bursting with rich, savory flavors from butter, onions, celery, and classic holiday spices like sage and poultry seasoning.
If you’re looking for the perfect recipe to pass down for generations, this is the one! It’s made with homemade cornbread, crumbled to perfection, and combined with just the right blend of broth, eggs, and seasonings to create a fluffy, golden-brown dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a standalone dish.
So, let’s dive into the details, tips, and everything you need to know to make the best cornbread dressing you’ve ever had!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Classic Southern Flavor – This dressing is made with traditional ingredients that give it that rich, nostalgic holiday taste.
✔ Made with Homemade Cornbread – No boxed mix here! From-scratch cornbread gives the best flavor and texture.
✔ Perfectly Moist & Flavorful – Nobody likes dry dressing! This recipe ensures the perfect balance of moisture and crispiness.
✔ Great for Make-Ahead – You can prepare this dish in advance, making holiday cooking less stressful.
✔ Customizable – Add sausage, turkey drippings, oysters, or even a little jalapeño for a twist!
Ingredients for Cornbread Dressing
For the Cornbread:
To make homemade cornbread from scratch, you’ll need:
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, but enhances flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (for a soft, tender crumb)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Dressing:
- 1 full pan of crumbled cornbread (from the above recipe)
- 4 slices toasted bread, crumbled (adds structure)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken or turkey broth (adjust for moisture)
- 2 eggs, beaten (helps bind everything together)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for richness)
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp sage (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cornbread
Before you can make the dressing, you need fresh homemade cornbread.
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3️⃣ Add in eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5️⃣ Let the cornbread cool, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing Mixture
1️⃣ Toast 4 slices of bread and crumble them into the bowl with the cornbread. This adds structure and helps absorb moisture.
2️⃣ In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and celery over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3️⃣ Add the sautéed veggies to the crumbled cornbread mixture.
4️⃣ Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper.
5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together broth and beaten eggs, then pour over the cornbread mixture.
6️⃣ Stir gently until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is moist but not soupy. Add more broth if needed.
Step 3: Bake the Dressing
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3️⃣ Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
4️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
✔ Use Day-Old Cornbread – Fresh cornbread can be too soft. Letting it sit overnight helps it absorb moisture better.
✔ Taste Before Baking – Adjust seasonings if needed! You can always add more sage, salt, or pepper.
✔ Add Sausage for Extra Flavor – Cooked, crumbled sausage adds a smoky, savory depth.
✔ Make It Ahead of Time – Prep everything a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh on the holiday.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Gently combine everything to keep a fluffy, tender texture.
✔ Adjust the Moisture – Some like it drier, some like it wetter. Add broth gradually until it’s the consistency you love!
Variations to Try
🔹 Sausage Cornbread Dressing – Brown 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage and mix it in for a heartier dish.
🔹 Oyster Dressing – A Louisiana classic! Add 1 cup of chopped oysters for a coastal twist.
🔹 Spicy Jalapeño Dressing – Dice 1 jalapeño pepper for a little heat.
🔹 Giblet Dressing – Stir in chopped giblets (heart, liver, gizzard) for traditional Southern flavor.
🔹 Cornbread Stuffing Muffins – Instead of baking in a dish, scoop into muffin tins for individual servings!
Can You Freeze Cornbread Dressing?
Yes! Cornbread dressing freezes beautifully. Here’s how:
📌 Before Baking: Prepare the dressing mixture, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
📌 After Baking: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What to Serve with Cornbread Dressing
This dressing is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal. Serve it with:
🍗 Roast Turkey – A classic pairing!
🥩 Honey-Glazed Ham – Sweet and savory perfection.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – Because more carbs = happiness!
🥦 Collard Greens – A true Southern feast.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Holiday Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate holiday comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of classic flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own twist on it, this dish will bring warmth and joy to your table.
Try it this holiday season, and let me know how it turns out! Happy Cooking & Happy Holidays! 🎄🍽️💛
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