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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the dressing.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and celery until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to bloom for a brief moment without burning.
- 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.
- Whisk eggs with melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a binding agent that will help hold the dressing together.
- Gently fold the bread cubes with the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated but not saturated.
- Gradually add the herbed broth to the bread mixture, stirring carefully to maintain the bread’s texture while creating a cohesive, moist consistency.
- Transfer the prepared dressing to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- 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