If you crave the comforting, savory flavors of a classic Southern side dish that feels like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the crumbly goodness of cornbread with fragrant herbs, tender veggies, and rich, savory seasoning, this dressing transforms simple ingredients into a golden, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for holiday feasts or any family dinner worth celebrating. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down, guaranteed to become a beloved tradition at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with ingredients that are humble but pack a punch. This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is all about balancing savory, aromatic, and creamy elements, using basics that are probably already in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the texture, flavor, or color, to bring this dressing to life.
- 6 cups Cornbread, homemade or store-bought: The crumbly base that gives this dressing its authentic Southern soul and slightly sweet flavor.
- 6 cups Italian Bread, cubed: Adds a sturdier texture and helps soak up all the delicious seasonings and broth.
- 1 stick unsalted butter: Richness that helps soften and flavor the sautéed veggies perfectly.
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced: Offers a sweet, aromatic punch once sautéed.
- 4 stalks celery, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: A must-have for depth and a little savory warmth.
- 2-3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade: Keeps the dressing moist and flavorful without being heavy.
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley: Brings a bright, herbal note to lift the dish.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: The star spice that brings classic comfort dressing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground sage: Earthy and aromatic, it’s a Southern staple in any dressing.
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme: A subtle herb that rounds out the seasoning profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the ingredients’ flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: The binder that holds everything together with a silky finish.
- Non-stick cooking spray: To ensure your dressing releases easily from the casserole dish after baking.
How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
The foundation of this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is perfectly dried bread cubes. Start by slicing your cornbread and Italian bread into small cubes. To achieve the best texture, let them air dry overnight on baking sheets or speed up the process by toasting them in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This step is key to ensuring your dressing isn’t soggy but beautifully moist with just the right bite.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Casserole Dish
Get your oven ready by preheating to 400 degrees. While it’s warming up, grab a 9″x13″ casserole dish and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This preps the dish so your dressing will bake evenly and come out looking gorgeous and golden without sticking.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables in Butter
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add your diced celery and onion. Let them sauté for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to soften and meld. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional two minutes until fragrant. This buttery, softened veggie mix is what infuses your dressing with that irresistible savory depth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients with Seasonings and Stock
Transfer your dried bread cubes into a big mixing bowl and pour in the sautéed vegetables with the melted butter. Add 2 cups of your chicken stock, fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a try and adjust seasoning to your taste. If the mixture feels dry, add a little more stock to keep it moist but not soggy—this balance is essential for perfectly textured dressing.
Step 5: Bind the Dressing with Eggs
Beat your eggs and gently fold them into the dressing mixture, mixing thoroughly. The eggs bind all those wonderful ingredients together, helping the dressing set up nicely when baked, with a luscious, cohesive texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your prepared dressing mixture into the casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in during the initial baking stage. Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees, then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This step allows the top to develop a golden, slightly crispy crust that complements the moist interior perfectly. When it’s done, your Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is ready to wow your guests.
How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and classic with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and an herbal touch. If you want to get a little creative, try finely chopped green onions or a few crispy fried sage leaves on top for an elegant twist that enhances both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe shines alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or smoked chicken, making it a perfect companion for holiday spreads. Pair it with collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, or green bean casserole to round out the meal with traditional Southern charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. This makes your Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe feel extra special and lets everyone enjoy their own perfectly baked crispy edges. You could also bake it in a bread bowl to serve at the center of the table—fun to eat and sure to be a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe left over, no worries! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, the flavors will have deepened, making it even more delicious.
Freezing
This dressing freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve all those soulful flavors and textures.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350-degree oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover and heat for another 10 minutes to crisp the top. This method restores the fresh-baked texture and warms the dish evenly, making it taste like it was just made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread works perfectly in the Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe and can save you time. Just make sure to dry the bread cubes properly so the dressing has the ideal texture.
What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth, and the Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe will still be bursting with flavor. For extra richness, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or nuts to enhance texture.
Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh on the day you want to serve. This makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Can I add sausage or other meat to the dressing?
For a heartier dressing, cooked and crumbled sausage is a favorite addition. Brown it in the butter before adding the veggies, then proceed as usual for a delicious twist on the Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe.
How do I know when the dressing is fully cooked?
The dressing should be golden brown on top, set in the middle, and slightly firm to the touch after the recommended baking time. If it seems too wet, you can bake an extra 5-10 minutes uncovered until it firms up.
Final Thoughts
Making this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is more than just cooking; it’s creating a dish that brings warmth, tradition, and irresistible flavor to your table. With such simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort side dish for gatherings large or small. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite recipe to share with your loved ones for years to come.
Print
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A classic Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe featuring a flavorful blend of homemade or store-bought cornbread and Italian bread baked with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and poultry seasoning for a moist, savory side dish perfect for holiday meals or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Breads
- 6 cups Cornbread, homemade or store-bought
- 6 cups Italian Bread, cubed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2–3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Non-stick cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Slice the cornbread and Italian bread into small cubes. Place the bread cubes on baking sheets and let dry overnight or speed the process by baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to remove moisture.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spray a 9″x13″ casserole dish thoroughly with non-stick olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, cooking for approximately 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the dried cornbread and Italian bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable and butter mixture, 2 cups of chicken stock, fresh chopped parsley, poultry seasoning, ground sage, ground thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add more chicken stock up to 3 cups.
- Add Eggs: Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly to bind the ingredients together and enhance the dressing’s richness.
- Bake the Dressing: Transfer the cornbread dressing mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dressing is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this traditional Southern side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
Notes
- To dry the bread cubes, either leave them out overnight or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes; this step prevents sogginess in the dressing.
- Using a combination of cornbread and Italian bread adds texture, flavor, and the right balance of moisture absorption.
- Adjust the amount of chicken stock to control the moisture level of the dressing; it should be moist but not soupy.
- Non-stick cooking spray helps ensure easy removal of the dressing from the casserole dish.
- The seasoning blend can be modified to taste; poultry seasoning is key for authenticity.
