Southern Cornbread Dressing

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic side dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking. Perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or any festive occasion, this dressing features homemade cornbread and Italian bread, combined with fresh vegetables and savory herbs. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it an unforgettable addition to your meal.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Bread Ingredients
• Vegetables & Seasonings
• Final Touches
• How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Step 1: Prepare the Bread
• Step 2: Preheat the Oven
• Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 4: Mix the Dressing
• Step 5: Assemble and Bake
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing
• With Roast Turkey
• Alongside Honey Glazed Ham
• As a Side for Fried Chicken
• Topped with Gravy
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Best Side Dishes for Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Reheating Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use store-bought cornbread?
• Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
• What are good substitutes for chicken stock?
• How long should I bake Southern Cornbread Dressing?
• Can I customize this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The blend of homemade cornbread and Italian bread creates a unique taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, or as a cozy dinner companion any day of the week.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for cooks of all levels.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the combination of chicken stock and sautéed vegetables, each bite is infused with moisture and flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delightful dish, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Sauté pan
• Baking sheet
• Non-stick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients without spillage.
• Sauté pan: Used for cooking vegetables evenly, enhancing their flavors before mixing into the dressing.

Ingredients

This traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing combines homemade cornbread, Italian bread, buttery sautéed vegetables, chicken stock, and classic herbs. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, this comforting recipe is moist, flavorful, and truly nostalgic.

Bread Ingredients

• 6 cups cornbread, homemade or store-bought (see Note 2)
• 6 cups Italian bread, cubed (see Note 2)

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Final Touches

• 2-3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Non-stick cooking spray

How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the cornbread and Italian bread into small cubes.
2. To dry the bread:
3. Option 1: Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight to become stale.
4. Option 2: Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until dry and slightly hardened.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced celery and onion; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine dried cornbread and Italian bread cubes. Add sautéed vegetables along with chicken stock (start with 2 cups), fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Taste the mixture; adjust seasoning if necessary. If too dry, add more chicken stock until moist but not soggy. Mix in beaten eggs thoroughly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the dressing mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve

Allow cooling for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this classic Southern side dish!

How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a versatile dish that can complement a range of meals. Serving it can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a casual family dinner.

With Roast Turkey

• A classic pairing for Thanksgiving, the savory flavors of cornbread dressing enhance the taste of juicy roast turkey.

Alongside Honey Glazed Ham

• The slight sweetness of honey glazed ham contrasts beautifully with the rich and savory dressing.

As a Side for Fried Chicken

• Serve cornbread dressing with crispy fried chicken for a comforting Southern meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Topped with Gravy

• Drizzle warm gravy over the dressing to add moisture and flavor, making it even more irresistible.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

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How to Perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing

Achieving the perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure every bite is delicious.

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs flavors better, so either let your bread sit overnight or toast it in the oven.
• Adjust Liquid Gradually: Start with less chicken stock and add more as needed. You want a moist mixture, not soggy.
• Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to achieve even flavor throughout.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to adjust herbs according to your taste. Fresh herbs can bring an extra depth of flavor.
• Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: For a golden brown top, bake without foil during the last part of cooking.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dressing to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Southern Cornbread Dressing

Pairing side dishes with Southern Cornbread Dressing can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Collard Greens: A traditional Southern favorite, collard greens add a nutritious and flavorful element to your meal.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair perfectly with savory dressing.
3. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds texture and richness, making it an excellent companion for cornbread dressing.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness balances out savory flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cornbread dressing.
6. Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn offers sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall meal experience.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor complements the stuffing well while adding nutritional value.
8. Deviled Eggs: This classic appetizer provides protein and enhances any festive spread alongside cornbread dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Southern Cornbread Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread can lead to a soggy dressing. Instead, use stale bread or dry it in the oven for the best texture.
• Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your dressing bland. Be sure to taste the mixture and adjust seasonings before baking.
• Overmixing the Ingredients: Overmixing can result in a dense texture. Gently stir just until combined for a light and fluffy dressing.
• Not Using Enough Stock: If you don’t add enough chicken stock, your dressing may turn out dry. Start with 2 cups and add more until you reach the desired moistness.
• Baking at Incorrect Temperature: Baking at too low a temperature may prevent a crispy top. Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Southern Cornbread Dressing in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Freeze in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about Southern Cornbread Dressing that might help you as you prepare this dish.

Can I use store-bought cornbread?

Yes, using store-bought cornbread can save time. Just make sure it’s dried out properly before mixing it into the dressing.

Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance and bake it just before serving for fresh flavors.

What are good substitutes for chicken stock?

You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock as alternatives. They will still provide great flavor without using chicken stock.

How long should I bake Southern Cornbread Dressing?

Bake covered for 30 minutes and then uncovered for another 20 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add ingredients like cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits to give your dressing a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it irresistible. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices. Give this classic recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!