Of course! A classic cornbread dressing (or stuffing) is the heart of a holiday meal. This recipe is traditional, savory, and packed with flavor, with a perfect balance of a crispy top and a moist, tender interior.
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing
This recipe assumes you’re starting with already-baked cornbread. For the best flavor, bake your cornbread a day ahead and let it dry out slightly.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 45-55 minutes | Total Time: 1.5 hours + | Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Base:
· 1 recipe (9×9 inch pan) of cornbread, cooled and crumbled (about 8-9 cups)
· 4-5 slices stale white bread or biscuits, torn into pieces (about 4 cups)
· Note: Using a combination of cornbread and a little white bread gives the perfect texture.
For the Aromatics (The “Holy Trinity”):
· ½ cup (1 stick) butter
· 2 cups finely chopped celery (about 4-5 stalks)
· 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion (1 large onion)
· 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional, but traditional)
For the Liquid:
· 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium preferred)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken or celery soup
· 4 large eggs, beaten
The Seasoning:
· 2 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped)
· 1 tbsp dried poultry seasoning
· 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste, especially if your broth is salted)
· ½ tsp black pepper
· ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
· Crumble the day-old cornbread and stale white bread into a very large mixing bowl. You want a mix of coarse and fine crumbs.
· Pro-Tip: For extra-dry bread, which helps it soak up the broth, spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
· In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
· Add the chopped celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are very soft and translucent. Do not brown them.
· Stir in the sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Dressing
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Pour the sautéed vegetable and butter mixture over the crumbled bread in the large bowl. Toss to combine.
· In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and beaten eggs until smooth.
· Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or your hands (the best tool!), gently toss and mix everything together until it is just combined and all the bread is moistened. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
· Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
· Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the center is set (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
· For an extra-crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it like a hawk!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
· Let the dressing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set fully, making it easier to scoop.
Pro-Tips for the Best Dressing:
· The Cornbread Matters: Use a classic, unsweetened Southern-style cornbread for this recipe. Sweet, cake-like Jiffy-style cornbread will work, but it will alter the flavor profile significantly.
· Don’t Skip the Eggs: The eggs are crucial for binding the dressing together and giving it a rich, custardy texture.
· Broth is Key: For the most flavor, use a high-quality, rich broth. Homemade turkey or chicken broth is ideal.
· Texture Check: After mixing, the dressing should be very moist, almost like a thick porridge. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth, ¼ cup at a time.
· Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing completely (through step 3) the day before. Cover and refrigerate. You will need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of cooked, crumbled sausage or diced giblets for a heartier dressing.
This classic cornbread dressing is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy