The Homestyle Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe You’ll Adore

Southern cornbread dressing sparks memories of cozy family gatherings around warm kitchen tables.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe always brought everyone closer during holiday meals.

Crispy edges and fluffy interiors make this comfort food irresistible.

Generations have passed down techniques for creating the perfect blend of herbs and textures.

Crusty cornbread serves as the ideal foundation for this classic Southern side dish.

Fresh sage and thyme add earthy notes that dance across your palate.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and love from the heart of Southern cooking.

You cannot resist the temptation of this mouthwatering, soul-warming classic.

Dressing That’s Buttery, Crumbly, and Holiday-Perfect

• Celebrate Family Tradition: Dive into a beloved Southern classic that brings generations together around the holiday table with rich, comforting flavors.
• Simplify Holiday Cooking: Easily prepare this dressing with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master without stress.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for large gatherings, this recipe serves multiple people and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and seasonal vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep components in advance, allowing bread to dry and ingredients to be prepped, which reduces kitchen chaos on the main cooking day.

Cornbread Dressing (Southern Style) Ingredients

• French Bread: Classic white bread for textural depth.
• Cornbread: Southern staple with rich, crumbly texture.

• Onion, Celery: Classic dressing flavor builders.
• Garlic: Adds subtle, warm undertone.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and savory base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together.

• Dried Basil, Dried Thyme, Dried Sage: Traditional dressing herb blend.
• Fresh Rosemary: Provides bright, pine-like flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh green note.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced flavor.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Bread Base

Slice French bread and cornbread into bite-sized cubes. Allow bread to dry naturally for 1-2 days or speed up the process by placing cubes on baking sheets and drying in the oven at 250°F for 30-45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes to ensure even drying.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Vegetable Mixture

• Chopped onions
• Chopped celery

Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrant flavor.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Broth

• Basil
• Thyme
• Sage
• Fresh rosemary
• Parsley

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing herbs to infuse the liquid with rich, savory notes.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, melt remaining butter. Crack eggs into the bowl and add salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Dressing

Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle egg mixture over the bread, tossing gently to coat evenly. Slowly add herb-infused broth, mixing lightly to ensure bread is moistened but not soggy.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer dressing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and ensure the dressing is heated completely through.

Dressing Tips for Southern Cornbread Thanksgiving Side

Dry Bread Perfectly: Use day-old bread or oven-dry cubes at 250°F for even texture and better absorption of flavors.

Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Dice onions and celery into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.

Avoid Soggy Dressing: Add broth gradually and mix gently to prevent over-moistening, maintaining a light and fluffy consistency.

Season Generously: Layer herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for a rich, aromatic Southern-style dressing that captures traditional tastes.

Balance Moisture Carefully: Test dressing mixture by squeezing a handful – it should hold together without dripping excess liquid.

Preserve Southern Cornbread Dressing the Right Way

• Transfer cooled dressing to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the dressing securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place dressing in a baking dish, splash with a little chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of broth to keep the dressing moist and prevent toughness.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Dish Matches

• Elevate Thanksgiving Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Sip Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the herb-rich dressing, cutting through its richness with bright, clean notes that refresh the palate.
• Serve Roasted Turkey Centerpiece: Traditional southern dressing naturally pairs with herb-roasted turkey, creating a classic Thanksgiving combination where the dressing's robust flavors enhance the meat's succulence.
• Match Cranberry Sauce Sidekick: Tangy, sweet cranberry sauce provides a delightful contrast to the savory dressing, balancing the herb-infused bread cubes with a vibrant, fruity punch that awakens taste buds.
• Pour Sparkling Apple Cider: Non-alcoholic apple cider offers a sweet, slightly effervescent option that mirrors the dressing's warm spices and provides a comforting, family-friendly beverage that complements the dish's hearty texture.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Takes

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing: Swap French bread with gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free cornbread mix. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Vegetarian Herb Stuffing: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor. Incorporate additional herbs like marjoram to enhance depth.
• Low-Sodium Sage Dressing: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Boost flavor with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary instead of salt for a healthier version.
• Dairy-Free Southern Style: Substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives. Use dairy-free milk or additional broth when mixing eggs to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

• Why use both French bread and cornbread?

The combination provides a rich, complex texture and deeper flavor profile. Cornbread adds traditional Southern sweetness while French bread contributes a lighter, airier element to the dressing.

• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Assemble everything except baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes.

• Is this dressing suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken broth and eggs. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I know when the dressing is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and crispy edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the center should be hot and moist without being soggy.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern cornbread dressing blends hearty Southern comfort with classic holiday tradition, creating a rich, savory side dish. Crumbly cornbread, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken come together in this cherished recipe you’ll want to savor at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Bread):

• 1 loaf crusty French bread, cut into small cubes (about 6–8 cups), dried
• 1 cornbread (8-8 pan), cut into small cubes, dried

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Liquid, Seasoning, and Binding Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup/113 grams) salted butter, divided
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare bread cubes by slicing French bread and cornbread into uniform pieces, then allow them to air-dry for 24-48 hours or expedite the process by dehydrating in the oven at low temperature, rotating periodically to ensure even drying.
2. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the dressing.
3. In a spacious skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and celery until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to bloom for a brief moment without burning.
5. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then incorporate dried and fresh herbs, creating a fragrant liquid base that will infuse the dressing with rich, complex flavors.
6. Whisk eggs with melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a binding agent that will help hold the dressing together.
7. Gently fold the bread cubes with the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated but not saturated.
8. Gradually add the herbed broth to the bread mixture, stirring carefully to maintain the bread’s texture while creating a cohesive, moist consistency.
9. Transfer the prepared dressing to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote uniform cooking.
10. Bake uncovered until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the interior reaches a steaming hot temperature, signaling it’s ready to serve.

Notes

• Drying bread cubes thoroughly ensures the perfect texture, preventing a mushy dressing and allowing maximum flavor absorption.
• Feel free to adjust herb quantities or swap fresh herbs with dried versions based on availability or personal taste preferences.
• Prepare the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake before serving to enhance flavor development and save time on Thanksgiving day.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free bread to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.

• Prep Time: 24 hours (for bread drying)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 50mg