Mouth-watering Cornbread Stuffing Recipe for Festive Meals
Welcome, y’all! If you’re a fan of traditional Southern cuisine, then you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share with you my favorite Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe that’s sure to steal the show at your next gathering or holiday feast.
Growing up in the South, Cornbread Dressing was a staple on our dinner table. From family dinners to Thanksgiving feasts, it was always there, and it always stole the show. The aroma of savory herbs mixed with homemade cornbread and juicy chicken broth is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
But let me tell you, this isn’t just any ordinary dressing recipe. This is a tried and true, generations-old family recipe that has been passed down from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It’s been perfected over time and refined to achieve the perfect texture and flavor combination that we all know and love.
So go ahead and break out your apron, grab your mixing bowls and prep your ingredients because we’re about to cook up some soulful goodness with this timeless Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe. Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to taste the perfect blend of Southern flavors in a traditional dish? Then, get ready to fall in love with this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. This classic recipe is a game-changer that will turn any meal into a feast. What makes it so special is the combination of ingredients that creates a unique, comforting taste and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What sets it apart from other dressing recipes is the use of cornbread, which gives the dish a distinct texture and flavor that only Southern cuisine can offer. The savory onions, aromatic celery, and perfect blend of herbs and spices heighten the flavor and make this recipe unforgettable.
Not only does this dressing pair perfectly with turkey or chicken, but it’s also versatile enough to be made any time of year. This recipe is perfect for holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas but can be enjoyed as a side to any meal.
Whether you’re making it for your family or for a gathering of friends, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is sure to impress. It’s a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations and is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and full of memories. So go ahead and give it a try; we promise it won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
To make this traditional southern cornbread dressing recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Southern Cornbread:
- 2 cups self-rising white cornmeal mix
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
White Bread:
- 6 cups diced, made white bread
Dressing Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), divided
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cups soft, finely chopped fresh green onion
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
This recipe calls for different types of bread: Southern cornbread and white bread. For the Southern cornbread, I recommend using a homemade one using the ingredients listed above. But if you don’t have time to make it from scratch, you can use a store-bought one. For best results, I recommend using old-fashioned Southern cornbread mix like the Paula Deen Cornbread Mix or Jiffy Cornbread Mix.
As for the dressing ingredients, make sure to use unsalted butter as it gives good flavor to the dressing. To add some texture, I highly recommend adding finely chopped fresh green onion, which gives a distinctive taste to the dish.
To achieve that traditional Southern taste in your dressing, we are also using chicken broth and poultry seasoning which adds a lot of delicious flavor. Lastly, we will also be using sautéed onions and celery, which are the hallmark of any good southern-style dressing. Get ready to wow your guests with this delicious recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know why this Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is everything you need, let’s jump into how to make it. I suggest reading over the recipe ingredients first, then gathering everything you need before starting the process.
Making the Cornbread
You can always purchase cornbread or use a pre-made mix, but I always recommend making it from scratch to really enhance the flavors of this recipe.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Melt a stick of butter in a skillet or in the microwave and set aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 2 large beaten eggs.
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Add in 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
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Slowly begin adding in 2 cups of finely stone-ground cornmeal, stirring continuously until fully combined.
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Once mixed, add in your melted butter and stir one last time before transferring your mixture to an 8 inch cast iron skillet or baking dish.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Preparing the Dressing
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Start off by crumbling up your prepared cornbread into small pieces.
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In a skillet or pan, melt 1/2 cup of butter, adding in two cups each of both diced onion and chopped celery once fully melted.
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Sauté the vegetables with the butter over medium heat for around 10-15 minutes or until they are tender.
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Preheat your oven again to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Begin by combining your crumbled cornbread with around 3 cups of diced soft white bread, mixing everything together thoroughly inside a large bowl.
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After finished mixing, add in your sautéed vegetables along with 6 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning. Make sure to mix everything until fully combined.
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Lastly, whisk together 3 large beaten eggs and slowly mix them in with the rest of your ingredients.
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Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, covering it with foil and then placing it in the oven for around 45-50 minutes or until fully baked through.
This traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is perfect for any family gathering, holiday celebration or even satisfying that comfort food craving. Enjoy and make sure to come back for more recipes just like this one!
Substitutions and Variations
While this cornbread dressing recipe is absolutely delicious as it is, there are some substitutions and variations that can elevate it even further. Here are some ideas to try out:
– For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
– You can add different types of meat to the dressing if you desire. Sausage, turkey, or bacon would all work well to complement the flavors.
– To change up the texture slightly, try using crumbled stale white bread instead of cornbread. This will result in a softer stuffing overall.
– Use homemade cornbread for an extra special touch. You can even try making buttermilk cornbread for a tangy flavor.
– If you’re looking for a spicier dressing, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix. This will give it a good kick.
– Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Sage, thyme, and rosemary all pair well with traditional southern flavors.
– Sometimes I like to add a can of mushroom soup to my dressing base for additional richness and depth of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with any modifications you want to make! Southern cooking is all about soul food and putting your unique twist on classic dishes.
Serving and Pairing
A serving of this southern cornbread dressing recipe is a true delight for the taste buds. The dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven, alongside your favorite side dishes. I recommend pairing it with some juicy roasted turkey or savory chicken in gravy to really bring out the flavors of the cornbread dressing.
This recipe is also very versatile and can be served as a standalone main course, especially if you add some ground sausage or mushrooms to the mix. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and comforting meal.
To complete your southern-style feast, consider adding some classic sides like collard greens, sweet potatoes, and baked macaroni and cheese. A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade would make the perfect refreshing accompaniment to this rich and filling dish.
Overall, this southern cornbread dressing recipe is a showstopper that will impress your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead and indulge in its deliciousness – you won’t be disappointed!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the beauty of make-ahead dishes. When hosting an event or large meal like Thanksgiving, being able to prep ahead of time is key. And luckily, this Southern Cornbread Dressing is perfect for just that.
To make ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe as usual and transfer it to a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave using the “reheat” function.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, scoop your desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
One tip to keep in mind is that if the dressing becomes too dry upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or even a bit of melted butter to restore some moisture.
And voila! Your Southern Cornbread Dressing will taste just as delicious as it did on day one. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I’ve learned some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect results for this favorite Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe. Here are some helpful tips to take your dressing game to the next level:
1. Use day-old cornbread
While it can be tempting to use freshly-baked cornbread for your dressing recipe, using day-old cornbread works best. This will give a better texture and help the dressing absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
2. Dry out the bread
If you are using white bread in addition to cornbread, make sure to dry it out beforehand. Cut the bread into small pieces and let it sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out completely. This step ensures that your dressing will not end up soggy.
3. Use chicken broth
Chicken broth is essential for adding flavor and moisture to the dressing. Use good quality chicken broth, preferably homemade. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought chicken broth too.
4. Add a touch of poultry seasoning
Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram that complements the flavors of meat dishes, such as this dressing. Use just a touch of poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
5. Mix in cooked rice
Adding cooked rice to your dressing gives it an extra texture and helps it hold together better. It also makes the dish more filling for those who are looking for a heartier meal.
6. Add veggies
Mixing in some vegetables like diced onions, chopped celery or green onions add some texture and nutrition to the dish. They can also add some flavor that complements the sweetness of cornbread.
Follow these tips while making this southern cornbread dressing recipe, and you’ll have an irresistible dish everyone will enjoy at Thanksgiving or any dinner party!
FAQ
As you embark on your journey to create the perfect southern cornbread dressing, it’s essential to be armed with knowledge that can help prevent mishaps and achieve desirable results. To address common questions and concerns, provided below are some frequently asked questions about this recipe.
What makes Southern cornbread different?
Southern-style cornbread differs from its Northern counterpart in terms of sweetness level, color of the cornmeal used, texture and ingredient composition. The Southern version tends to be sweeter, can use both white or yellow cornmeal, has a buttery taste and incorporates more eggs, resulting in a cake-like texture.
How to make Paula Deen cornbread dressing?
To whip up a delicious Southern-style dish, you’ll want to start by melting a quarter cup of butter in a large pot. Next, toss in two cups each of chopped onions and celery, along with a tablespoon of minced garlic. Give everything a good stir until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
Then, pour in two and a half cups of chicken broth and a can of cream of chicken soup. Add in two lightly beaten large eggs and a tablespoon of poultry seasoning to really take the flavor to the next level. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread?
In the Southern cuisine, cornbreads are regarded as a staple food and are usually enjoyed with savory dishes. Cornmeal puddings, on the other hand, are commonly paired with sweet sauces. It is a customary practice among Southern cooks to avoid sweetening cornbreads since this can ruin the recipe. In Kentucky, white, coarsely ground cornmeal is the preferred choice for making cornbread, and it is unthinkable to incorporate sugar or wheat flour into the recipe.
Why is my cornbread dressing bland?
When making cornbread, it’s crucial to ensure it has enough moisture to prevent dryness. The texture of cornbread is such that it soaks up any moisture it can get, hence the need for ample lubrication. Adding some seasoning like salt and pepper to the water or stock used in the recipe can also enhance the cornbread’s flavor rather than having a boring taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a soulful and traditional Southern-style dish that is sure to please any crowd, this cornbread dressing recipe is the perfect choice. With its classic blend of ingredients, such as chicken broth, celery, and cornbread crumbles, this recipe will transport you to the heart of the South.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this dish will be the talk of the table. And with the option to make it ahead of time and store it easily before reheating, it’s also an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Overall, this Southern cornbread dressing recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare. So why not give it a try? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Favorite Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pan your favorite prepared cornbread (not jiffy mix or anything like that, they have added sugar and that will just ruin the taste of the)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth (may have to use 4 cans)
- 6 eggs, beaten
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch green onion, diced (i cut mine up with kitchen shears)
Instructions
- Get you 1 big pan, I usually use one of those turkey roaster pans. Spray or grease it really good. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Crumble cornbread up with your hands in a BIG bowl. Mix in rice. Add green onions. Add chicken broth until it looks soupy and you can stir it with a spoon, kinda like grits. Add the salt and pepper. Taste it now to see if it's seasoned how you want it to be. if not add more salt, pepper, or green onions.
- Then the beaten eggs. The eggs is what makes it all stick together so they are important, don't forget em!
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 1 hour and 15 minute or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. This makes one really big pan or 2-3 little pans.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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