Grandma’s Soul-Warming Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Southern soul meets culinary magic in this hearty cornbread dressing that whispers comfort and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable side dish with love and care.

Crisp edges blend seamlessly with tender, herb-infused center bites that melt on your tongue.

Sage and thyme dance through each savory spoonful, creating memories of festive gatherings.

Crumbled cornbread forms the rich foundation, while celery and onions add delightful texture and depth.

Moisture from chicken broth ensures a perfectly balanced consistency that never feels dry.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this classic southern favorite that belongs on every holiday table.

FAQs For Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Why is drying the bread important for this recipe?

Drying the bread helps absorb more liquid and creates a better texture, preventing a soggy dressing that falls apart.

• Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use white bread, sourdough, or day-old bread as alternatives to cornbread and Italian bread, but traditional Southern cornbread works best for authentic flavor.

• How do I know if the dressing has the right consistency?

The mixture should be moist but not wet – it should hold together when pressed but not be soupy. Add more chicken stock if too dry or more bread cubes if too wet.

• Is this dressing gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains wheat bread and is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cornbread and bread alternatives.

Why Southern Cornbread Dressing Is A Must At The Table

• Celebrate Culinary Heritage: Dive into a traditional Southern recipe that captures generations of family cooking wisdom, bringing nostalgic flavors to your holiday table.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy bread preparation methods and sautéing skills that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular side dish with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Customize with Confidence: Adapt the recipe by adjusting chicken stock moisture levels and seasoning to match your personal taste preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: Create a restaurant-quality side dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared, elevating your meal with minimal cooking complexity.

What’s In Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Cornbread: A classic Southern base that provides a rich, crumbly texture to the dressing.
• Italian Bread: Helps create a balanced texture and adds softness to the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: These vegetables create a flavorful foundation and provide depth to the dressing's overall taste.

• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the dressing.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a cohesive texture.
• Parsley, Poultry Seasoning, Sage, Thyme: Provide traditional Southern herb flavors and aromatic complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures the dressing does not stick to the baking dish.

How To Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Easily

Step 1: Slice Bread Into Cubes

Grab your cornbread and Italian bread. Carefully slice both breads into small, uniform cubes using a sharp knife. Make sure the cubes are roughly the same size for even drying and consistent texture.

Step 2: Dry Out Bread Cubes

Choose one of two methods to dry your bread:

Option 1: Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out overnight, allowing natural air drying.

Option 2: Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they become crisp and slightly hardened.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced celery
• Diced onion

Cook for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Dressing Ingredients

• Dried cornbread cubes
• Dried Italian bread cubes
• Sautéed vegetables
• Chicken stock
• Fresh parsley
• Poultry seasoning
• Sage
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add more chicken stock until it reaches a moist, cohesive consistency.

Step 7: Add Binding Ingredients

Mix in beaten eggs, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined. The eggs will help bind the dressing together and create a smooth texture.

Step 8: Transfer and Bake

Pour the cornbread dressing mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 9: Crisp the Top

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the dressing to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delightful Southern side dish that will comfort and satisfy.

Helpful Tips For Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Dry Bread Perfectly: Use day-old bread or bake cubes at 350°F for 10 minutes to achieve the ideal texture for absorbing flavors.
• Balance Moisture Wisely: Add chicken stock gradually, checking consistency to prevent dressing from becoming too soggy or too dry.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté vegetables before mixing to release natural sweetness and develop richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Season Strategically: Taste mixture before baking and adjust herbs and seasonings to ensure balanced, delicious results.
• Bake for Crispy Topping: Uncover during final baking stage to create golden-brown, slightly crisp surface that adds delightful texture.

Tasty Twists On Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Vegetarian Herb Dressing: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit eggs for a plant-based version, using flax eggs or breadcrumbs as a binding agent.
• Gluten-Free Cornbread Variation: Use gluten-free cornbread and bread, substitute regular flour with almond or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwestern Dressing: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace some herbs with cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern-style cornbread dressing.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Reduce salt content, use low-sodium chicken stock, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary and extra black pepper for a heart-healthy alternative.

Perfect Pairings For Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Savor Perfectly Matched Flavors
• Roast Turkey Companion: Pair this rich, herbal cornbread dressing alongside a perfectly roasted turkey, creating a classic Southern Thanksgiving match that celebrates traditional comfort food.
• Wine Elevation Strategy: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier to complement the dressing's savory herbs and buttery texture, balancing its hearty profile with crisp acidity.
• Cranberry Sauce Boost: Add a tangy homemade cranberry sauce on the side to introduce a bright, sweet contrast that cuts through the dressing's dense, rich flavors and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Southern Sweet Tea Harmony: Serve with a cold, refreshing glass of sweet tea to honor Southern culinary traditions, providing a smooth, sugary backdrop that perfectly rounds out the dish's complex seasonings.

How To Store Southern Cornbread Dressing With Care

• Store leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freezes well for up to 1 month without losing quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread dressing in a baking dish, drizzle with extra chicken stock to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern cornbread dressing brings classic comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen to your holiday table. Savory herbs, crumbled cornbread, and rich chicken broth blend together to create a soul-warming side dish you’ll treasure at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups cornbread
• 6 cups Italian bread
• 2–3 cups fat-free chicken stock
• 1 stick (0.5 cups / 113 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large onion
• 4 stalks celery
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cups fresh parsley

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Transform cornbread and Italian bread into small, uniform cubes using a sharp knife.
2. Dry the bread cubes using either air-drying overnight or quick-baking method at 350°F for 10 minutes until crisp and lightly hardened.
3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium temperature, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
4. Sauté diced celery and onion for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables become translucent and tender.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Combine dried bread cubes in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a textural base for the dressing.
7. Incorporate sautéed vegetables, chicken stock, fresh herbs, and seasonings into the bread mixture.
8. Evaluate the mixture’s moisture level, gradually adding more chicken stock if the consistency appears dry.
9. Gently fold beaten eggs into the dressing, ensuring thorough and even distribution.
10. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
11. Transfer the cornbread dressing into the prepared dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, creating a moist interior.
13. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and develops a crispy texture.
14. Allow the dressing to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the structure.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as a delectable Southern side dish.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture and absorption of flavors in your dressing.
• Toast bread cubes to enhance their flavor and create a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the taste profile of your cornbread dressing.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread with gluten-free cornbread and breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg