Satisfy Your Cravings with Cornbread Dressing Casserole
Welcome to my kitchen, where southern-style cuisine is the king of the stove. Today’s recipe is a southern cornbread dressing casserole, and I guarantee that this dish will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Dressing is a staple dish in southern soul food, and it comes in many forms. This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy dressing by combining savory bread with traditional southern spices and ingredients.
The aroma of fresh sage, poultry seasoning, and black pepper will fill your home as this casserole bakes to perfection, giving you a glimpse into the world of southern-style cooking. The crust of this casserole is crispy on the outside, and the inside boasts a creamy texture, making each bite an absolute delight.
Whether you’re looking for a dish to serve at Thanksgiving, a family gathering or simply craving some satisfying soul food; this southern cornbread dressing casserole recipe is perfect for you. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole Recipe! Are you searching for a soul food dish that blends simple ingredients in a delectable way? Look no further! This dressing recipe brings the flavors of old-fashioned Southern chicken to your table with fresh ingredients like finely chopped celery, onions, pecans, and boiled eggs.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that the cornbread dressing is made from scratch! Forget about pre-packaged stuffing mixes full of unknown seasoning and additives. This recipe lets you take complete control of your cooking experience by crafting each element with care.
Plus, they say variety is the spice of life, right? You can easily adapt this recipe to your unique tastes and preferences. Want to add your favorite meat, like sausage or turkey? Feel free! Prefer more savory ingredients like mushrooms or bread crumbs? Go for it!
Lastly, if you’re looking for a go-to dish for holiday gatherings or intimate dinners, this casserole will make any meal feel special. It’s satisfying enough to stand out all on its own but also pairs well with other sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese.
Trust me; you’ll love this Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole Recipe! It’s tasty, diverse, and brings a touch of soul to your table.
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering southern cornbread dressing casserole recipe.
Cornbread
- 1 (14-ounce) pan of cornbread (crumbled)
- 4 slices of stale white bread (crumbled)
Chicken Dressing
- 1 pound loaf of old-fashioned southern cornbread (crumbled)
- 1 pound of pork sausage
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of finely diced celery
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage
- 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning
- 5 boiled eggs (chopped)
Extras
- ½ cup of chopped pecans
Note: you can use store-bought cornbread, but homemade is always the better option. I recommend using buttermilk in your homemade cornbread for added richness.
The Recipe How-To
Now, here comes the most exciting part – the recipe how-to section. Are you ready to make your taste buds dance with joy? Let’s dive right in and get cooking!
Ingredients Preparation
First things first, let’s prepare our ingredients. We need:
6 cupsof crumbled southern cornbread4 slicesof stale white bread3 cupsof chicken broth1 1/2sticks of unsalted butter (about3/4cup)1 poundloaf of white bread, crumbled1 cupdiced celery1 mediumonion, chopped3-4boiled eggs, chopped1 teaspoonblack pepper2 teaspoonsdried sage2 teaspoonspoultry seasoning1/2 cupchopped fresh parsley (optional)1/2 cuppecans (optional)
Be sure to have everything ready before starting as mis en place is the key to success in any recipe.
Cornbread and White Bread Crumbling
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Place the crumbled southern cornbread and slices of stale white bread onto a baking sheet, then bake for about 10 minutes or until slightly toasted. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool down completely.
Next, crumble the white bread into fine pieces then add it to the same pan as the cornbread crumbles.
Sauteing Vegetables
Melt one stick of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add onions and celery then saute for about 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
Mixing Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together including the toasted bread crumbs, sauteed vegetables, chopped boiled eggs, black pepper, sage, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is evenly distributed.
Assembling the Dressing Casserole
Grease an 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the mixture into the dish. Smooth out the top with your spatula to make sure everything is even. At this point, you can sprinkle extra chopped parsley and pecans on top of the casserole.
Baking Time
Bake the dressing casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Congratulations, you’ve just made a delicious southern cornbread dressing casserole that will wow your family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I believe that there’s always room for variation when it comes to cooking. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this southern cornbread dressing casserole recipe:
– Celery: If you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. The key is to have a balance of flavors and textures.
– Pecans: Pecans add crunchiness and nuttiness to this recipe, but you can also use other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts altogether.
– Bread: While this recipe calls for a combination of cornbread and white bread, you can use just one type of bread if that’s what you prefer. You can also use different types of bread like sourdough or rye.
– Sausage: For a meatier version of this recipe, you can add cooked sausage to the mixture before baking. This will give it an even heartier flavor.
– Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or squash to bulk up the dish.
– Gluten-free: If you’re gluten intolerant, replace the white bread with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. And make sure your cornbread is also made without gluten.
Remember that cooking is all about creativity and experimentation. Have fun trying out different ingredients and techniques until you find your favorite variation on this classic southern dish!
Serving and Pairing
Southern cornbread dressing casserole is a classic soul food dish that pairs well with a range of sides and mains. For the perfect taste experience, I recommend serving this hearty casserole warm, straight out of the oven.
The savory, buttery flavors of the dressing beautifully complement a juicy roasted turkey or chicken. For vegetarians, it pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad. You could even serve it as a side for barbecue meats during summer cookouts!
I find that this dish pairs particularly well with bright-tasting pickles or relishes, which can cut through the richness of the dressing. Consider serving sweet or spicy pickles on the side, or adding sliced pickled jalapenos directly to the casserole for an extra kick.
For drinks, you can never go wrong pairing Southern cornbread dressing casserole with sweet tea or lemonade. If you’re looking to turn up the elegance factor, pair it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
No matter what you decide to serve with this classic comfort food dish, be sure to enjoy it surrounded by friends and family for the ultimate southern hospitality experience!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holidays and other special occasions when you want to focus on entertaining your guests. To prepare this recipe in advance, you can follow the recipe instructions up until the point where it needs to be baked in the oven.
Once you have assembled the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to bake it, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it into a preheated oven. This can take about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
If you have leftovers, this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place a portion of the casserole onto a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1 minute or until heated through. Alternatively, you may also reheat in the oven by covering with aluminum foil and baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to add a small amount of chicken broth or water to help moisten the dressing and prevent it from drying out. This will ensure that your Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole tastes just as delicious as it did when it was freshly prepared!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole requires paying attention to a few details. Here are some tips that will help you achieve the best results possible:
1. Use stale bread
To make this dish, I recommend using stale white bread in addition to cornbread. The reason is that it helps to add more texture and structure to your dressing casserole. If you don’t have any stale bread, simply toast fresh bread slices in the oven for a few minutes until they’re dried out.
2. Don’t overmix
It’s important not to overmix the dressing ingredients so that it doesn’t become too dense or mushy. When mixing, use a gentle folding motion just until everything is combined.
3. Add extra moisture
Dressing should be moist but not too wet. The casserole will dry out as it cooks, so make sure you add enough moisture using chicken broth and melted butter mixture while preparing it.
4. Be generous with seasonings
Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole has to really pack a punch of flavors, so don’t skimp on seasoning. In particular, don’t forget the sage, poultry seasoning, and black pepper when developing the flavor profile for your dressing ingredients.
5. Keep an eye on cooking time and temperature
The baking time and temperature of this recipe may vary depending on your oven and altitude so take caution not to burn your Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole while cooking!
By following these tips, your Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole Recipe has every chance of becoming a cherished staple at your table for years to come!
Bottom Line
this southern cornbread dressing casserole recipe with a savory twist on a classic Southern dish. With its fluffy and moist texture, this mouthwatering casserole is the perfect comfort food to indulge in during the holidays or any time of year. The aromatic blend of sage, poultry seasoning and black pepper simmered with chicken broth makes this dish a delightful addition to your family’s soul food repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations of this recipe – try adding sausage, mushrooms or even bread crumbs to the mix!
With these instructions, tips and variations, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious southern-style cornbread dressing casserole that’s sure to impress your friends and family. In fact, it might just become a new family staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas and other special occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the comforting flavors of traditional southern cooking.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get started! Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a potluck, family gathering or simply craving some soul food goodness, this cornbread dressing casserole is sure to please. Remember to take your time, follow the recipe closely and enjoy every bite of this homemade masterpiece. Happy cooking!
Southern Cornbread Dressing Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups very finely crumbled cornbread
- 2 cups herb poultry seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients, except the broth and eggs, in a large bowl and mix well.
- Beat together eggs and broth. Mix well into dry ingredients until moistened.
- Spoon into a well-buttered 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Bake uncovered, at 350* for 45 minutes or until lightly brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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