Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing: A Holiday Must-Have

A Nostalgic Celebration of Southern Heritage

As the scent of baked cornbread fills the air and family gathers around the table, Southern holiday traditions come to life. Cornbread dressing is not just food; it’s a cherished recipe passed down through generations. This moist, savory side dish enhances every Thanksgiving feast and embodies the heartwarming essence of soul food.

Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe Overview

This Southern cornbread dressing recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor. Here’s a glance at the prep times:

• Moist, savory, and seasoned to perfection — this Southern Cornbread Dressing brings together golden cornbread, sautéed veggies, and flavorful broth for the ultimate comfort side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday dinners.

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  🕒 Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

  • Servings: 8–10

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  🧂 Ingredients

  For the Cornbread

  • 2 cups (250g) self-rising cornmeal mix

  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup (115g) melted butter

  For the Dressing

  • 8 cups (about 1 pan) crumbled cornbread

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken or turkey broth

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or more to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs, beaten (to bind the mixture)

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  🔪 Directions

  1. Bake the Cornbread
     Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
     In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
     Pour into a greased cast iron skillet or 9×9 baking dish.
     Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden. Let cool, then crumble.

  2. Sauté Vegetables
     In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil.
     Add onion and celery, and cook until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

  3. Combine Ingredients
     In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, and seasonings (poultry seasoning, sage, salt, pepper).
     Pour in chicken broth a little at a time, stirring until moist but not soupy.

  4. Add Eggs & Adjust Texture
     Stir in beaten eggs for binding. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more broth.

  5. Bake the Dressing
     Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
     Bake uncovered at 350°F (177°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.

  6. Cool Slightly & Serve
     Let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm — perfectly moist inside and crisp around the edges.

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  💡 Pro Tips

  • Use day-old cornbread for the best texture.

  • Add chopped boiled eggs or shredded turkey for a heartier version.

  • For extra flavor, replace some broth with drippings from roasted chicken or turkey.