Southern Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate holiday side dish that’s savory, perfectly moist, and full of flavor. This dish is a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. The combination of crumbled homemade cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and rich cream of chicken soup creates a dressing that’s crispy on the outside and incredibly moist on the inside. Paired with turkey or ham, it’s sure to be the star of the show. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to make the perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love Southern Cornbread Dressing
What makes this Southern Cornbread Dressing stand out is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s an easy dish to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, so you can focus on other parts of your meal. The richness from the cream of chicken soup, combined with the savory notes of sage and poultry seasoning, gives this dressing its unforgettable flavor. Plus, it’s a family favorite that has graced holiday tables for generations!
Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing
To make this Southern Cornbread Dressing, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Baked Cornbread: Provides the base for the dressing. Homemade cornbread is best for texture.
• Minced Celery: Adds aromatic freshness.
• Minced Onion: Adds depth of flavor to the dressing.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret ingredient for a rich and moist dressing.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the dressing and adds flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Ground Sage and Poultry Seasoning: Adds those signature earthy, savory flavors.
• Black Pepper: For seasoning and a slight kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
Not everyone has access to every ingredient, so here are a few substitutions you can make without sacrificing flavor:
- Cornbread: If you’re short on time, store-bought cornbread can work in a pinch, but it should be slightly crumbly, not overly moist.
- Chicken Broth: You can swap chicken broth for turkey broth or vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
- Sage: If you’re not a fan of sage, try marjoram, thyme, or rosemary instead.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Swap it with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Prepare the Cornbread: Begin by making your cornbread, allowing it to cool completely. Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced onion and celery until tender. This adds incredible flavor and aroma to the dressing.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In the same mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, egg, sage, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Mix the Dressing: Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture into the bowl with the cornbread. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more broth to achieve a thick, moist consistency.
- Bake the Dressing: Transfer the mixture into a greased 2.5-quart casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the dressing is golden brown on top and the center is set.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cornbread Dressing
- Make the Cornbread in Advance: To save time on the day of your meal, bake your cornbread the day before. Allow it to cool completely before crumbling it.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, make sure not to overmix the dressing. You want a thick, cohesive mixture, but not a doughy consistency.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your dressing while it bakes. Overbaking will dry it out, so check for doneness at 30 minutes and adjust as needed.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing is versatile and can be paired with a variety of main dishes. It’s most often served with turkey or ham, making it a perfect addition to holiday feasts. However, it can also complement roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled vegetables for a different twist.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding variations like:
- Sausage: Add cooked sausage to the mixture for an extra savory punch.
- Cranberries or Apples: For a sweet contrast, try adding some chopped cranberries or diced apples to the dressing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornbread to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Can You Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time! After mixing all the ingredients, simply cover the dish and refrigerate it for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature, then pop it in the oven to bake as directed.
How to Store Leftover Southern Cornbread Dressing
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. You can also freeze the dressing—either before baking or after it’s cooked—by wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Conclusion
Southern Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and tradition to your holiday table. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you enjoy it alongside turkey, ham, or your favorite protein, this dressing will quickly become a beloved part of your holiday menu. Follow these simple steps and tips for a perfect, moist, and savory Southern Cornbread Dressing every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
Yes, Southern Cornbread Dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply prepare the dressing as instructed, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of your meal, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed for the perfect dish.
Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
While homemade cornbread yields the best texture, you can use store-bought cornbread. Just ensure that it’s slightly crumbly and not overly moist to achieve the right texture in your dressing.
What can I add to the dressing for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked sausage, chopped apples, cranberries, or a handful of nuts. You can also experiment with different herbs such as marjoram or thyme, or add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper or paprika.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a savory and moist holiday side dish made with crumbled homemade cornbread, butter, onions, celery, cream of chicken soup, and aromatic seasonings. It’s a classic dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas. With its crispy outside and moist inside, this cornbread dressing is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or other proteins.
Ingredients
- 1 pan of homemade cornbread, crumbled
- 2–3 stalks of celery, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 1 stick of salted butter
- 14.5 oz can of chicken broth
- 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 raw egg
- 1–2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cornbread according to your recipe and allow it to cool completely before crumbling it into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet and sauté the minced onion and celery until tender (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, egg, sage, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the crumbled cornbread to the bowl and mix well. Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- If the dressing seems too dry, add a little extra chicken broth to reach a thick, moist consistency.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 2.5-quart casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the center is not jiggly. If it’s not fully set, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the cornbread completely before crumbling it to avoid a soggy dressing.
- If you don’t have homemade cornbread, store-bought cornbread can work, as long as it is slightly dry and crumbly.
- For a variation, you can add sausage, apples, cranberries, or nuts to the dressing for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornbread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 852
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 2043mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 135g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 167mg
