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Cornbread Dressing Recipe

4.4 from 125 reviews

A classic Southern-style cornbread dressing made with a flavorful mix of sautéed onions, celery, poultry seasoning, and sage, combined with crumbled cornbread and white bread cubes. This savory side dish is moistened with chicken broth and eggs, then baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect complement for holiday meals or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Dairy & Eggs

  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 eggs (beaten)

Breads

  • 5 cups crumbled cornbread (dry)
  • 5 cups dry white bread cubes

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Other

  • 2 to 3 cups chicken broth (or as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the dressing mixture.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, poultry seasoning, and ground sage. Cook gently until the vegetables are tender but not browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Mix bread and veggies: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled dry cornbread, dry white bread cubes, the cooled sautéed vegetables, fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  4. Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
  5. Moisten the bread mixture: Slowly drizzle the egg and broth mixture over the bread mixture, gently tossing to moisten all the bread. Add additional chicken broth, ¼ cup at a time, if the mixture seems dry, allowing it to rest a few minutes between additions so the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
  6. Transfer and bake: Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spoon the moistened bread dressing evenly into the dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is heated through. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, use day-old cornbread and bread cubes to ensure they are dry and absorb the liquid properly.
  • You can prepare the bread cubes a day in advance by spreading cubes on a baking sheet and letting them dry out or lightly toasting them in the oven.
  • Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your preferred moisture level in the dressing.
  • This dish is traditionally served as a side during Thanksgiving or holiday meals but pairs well with roasted meats any time.

Keywords: cornbread dressing, traditional dressing, Southern side dish, Thanksgiving side, baked dressing, holiday recipe