Premium Cornbread Dressing with a Unique Spicy Twist
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade southern-style cuisine, and this Cornbread Dressing recipe is no exception. A staple during holiday season or anytime for that matter, this dressing is the perfect complement to any meal. Made with Southern-style cornbread, this dish is moist, rich, and full of flavor.
Growing up in the South, I learned to make this dish from my mother, who learned it from her mother. It’s a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and I feel honored to share it with you.
The recipe is easy to make, and the end result will have your guests begging for more. From Thanksgiving dinners to Sunday suppers with the family, this southern cornbread dressing is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Let’s get started on this delightful journey into Southern cuisine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, y’all! You’re in for a treat with this Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe. If you’re a fan of savory, comforting dishes and traditional Southern cuisine, this recipe will blow your socks off.
Firstly, this dish is everything you want from a classic Southern recipe: it’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With a combination of crumbled cornbread and white bread, this dressing strikes the perfect balance between moist and fluffy. And let’s not forget about the star of the show – the chopped onions, celery, and green onions that pack a punch of flavor.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the fact that it’s so versatile – Thanksgiving or not. Whether you need to feed a crowd at a potluck or want to add some extra deliciousness to your chicken or turkey dinner, this dressing is always a crowd-pleaser.
And y’all do not have to worry if gluten-free is your thing – this dish got ya covered without even trying.
So why should you love our Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe? It’s easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, and not only that but also accommodating different food preferences all while staying true to traditional Southern style cuisine. Give it a try and I reckon y’all will be hooked!
Ingredient List
To achieve the rich, moist and traditional taste of Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe, you need the following ingredients.
Cornbread ingredients 1x (6-8 servings)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Dressing ingredients 1x
- 3 cups crumbled stale cornbread
- 3 cups made white bread cut into small cubes
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) plus more for greasing skillet and baking dish
- 2 cups chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 2 cups chopped celery
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
Please see the Substitutions and Variations section if you want to make gluten-free or Paula Deen’s version of this Southern-style stuffing.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s cut to the chase and get to the best part- the recipe how-to! Trust me, you’ll want to follow this step-by-step guide to ensure that your Southern Cornbread Dressing turns out just like my grandma used to make it.
Ingredients:
Before we move onto the how-to, make sure you have all of the ingredients for this traditional Southern recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 6 cups bread, cut or torn into small pieces
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon herb seasoned salt
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions
- 3 cups soft breadcrumbs (made from white bread)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and black pepper
Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the recipe!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Prep Your Cornbread
When it comes to preparing southern-style cornbread, there are a few different ways you can go about it. For this recipe, you’ll want to start with homemade southern-style cornbread that is moist and crumbly. If you already have some on hand, great! If not, making your own is quite simple.
In a bowl, combine 2 cups yellow cornmeal with 1 cup all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix together 2 large eggs and 2 cups buttermilk. Then, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
Next, melt 1 cup butter (2 sticks) in a large skillet or baking dish. Pour the batter into the skillet or dish and bake at 425°F until the cornbread is golden brown, which should take about 25 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Toast Your Soft Bread Crumbs
While your cornbread is cooling, spread your soft bread crumbs evenly onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes. They should be slightly browned and crispy, but not burnt.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In a skillet, melt 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) over medium heat. Sauté the 2 cups chopped onions and 2 cups chopped celery until they are softened, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon herb seasoned salt and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage for added flavor.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, crumble your cooled cornbread and add in the toasted bread crumbs. Add the sa
Substitutions and Variations
Now, for those of you who like to put your own spin on things, I’ve got some interesting substitutes and variations that will add some depth and flavor to your Southern Cornbread Dressing.
Firstly, if you want to make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the white bread for gluten-free bread and use gluten-free cornmeal in your homemade Southern-style cornbread. You may also want to use a gluten-free chicken broth to ensure that the recipe is entirely gluten-free.
If you’re not a fan of chicken broth, you can switch it up with turkey broth or even vegetable stock. Just make sure you get high-quality brands that complement the other ingredients in this recipe.
Crumbled stale bread is another substitute for crumbled cornbread that can work well. Some traditional Southern dressing recipes call for old-fashioned white bread cubes. It may not be strictly Southern without the cornbread, but it’s still delicious!
For those who like a bit more ‘oomph’ in their dressing, adding some spicy sausage can turn this southern-style classic into something perfect for brunch or dinner! Just brown about 1lb of spicy sausage and mix it in with your other dressing ingredients before baking.
Finally, for anyone looking to take a step away from tradition and try something new, why not experiment with adding some herbs like thyme or sage to the mix. It’ll add complexity and zest without changing the classic nature of the dish.
Remember, these are just suggestions! Feel free to play around with other substitutes; experimenting is what makes cooking such an enjoyable process!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Southern Cornbread Dressing, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This classic dish is often served during Thanksgiving and other big holidays, and is perfect for large gatherings with family and friends. It pairs exceptionally well with poultry dishes such as chicken or turkey, making it the perfect stuffing for roast chicken or turkey.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. Simply replace the traditional white bread with gluten-free bread, and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Traditionally, Southern Cornbread Dressing is served alongside other classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes. For a twist on the classic pairing, try serving the dressing with roasted vegetables or a fresh cranberry salad. The rich flavor of the dressing pairs well with crisp-tender green beans, roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts, and some tangy pickled cabbage.
When it comes to wine pairings, choose a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the savory flavors of the dressing. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that are also excellent pairing options.
In conclusion, Southern Cornbread Dressing is a beloved holiday side dish that adds just the right amount of southern flair to any dining table. With its moist and flavorful texture, it pairs beautifully with roast poultry dishes and classic holiday sides. Add this to your Thanksgiving menu this year and watch your guests come back for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Like a good story, a satisfying southern cornbread dressing can sometimes benefit from being stored and reheated. I’ve got some tips on how to do this without losing an ounce of flavor or texture.
If you’re making ahead:
You can prepare the dressing up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before you’re ready to serve, place the dressing in a baking dish and let it come to room temperature for about half an hour. Then, cover it tightly with foil and bake it for about 15 minutes or until it’s heated evenly throughout.
If you’re storing leftovers:
Once again, an airtight container is your best friend here. Allow the dressing to cool completely before placing it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, take out only what you’ll eat since constantly reheating leftovers can dry them out. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium heat in 30-second intervals or transfer the whole batch back into a baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
If you need gluten-free options:
Stick with gluten-free cornbread and bread alternatives when making the dressing if you or someone around the dinner table is gluten intolerant. This will make it suitable for more guests without comprising on taste.
So don’t be afraid to prep your dressing ahead of time or save your leftovers! With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy that traditional southern flavor again and again.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the best possible outcome for your Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe, here are some tips that can help you:
1. Use homemade Southern-style cornbread: Using homemade cornbread will give a traditional taste to the dressing that no store-bought version can emulate. Also, make sure to use white and yellow cornmeal in a ratio of 1:2 to get the perfect flavor.
2. Let the bread dry out: After making the cornbread, let it dry for 24 hours or put it in the oven at 250°F for an hour or until it has dried out. Doing this will ensure that your dressing is moist but not too soggy.
3. Use stale bread: If you’re using regular bread instead of cornbread, make sure it’s stale before you use it. Fresh bread will turn mushy and ruin the texture of your dressing.
4. Sautee onions and celery separately: To get the best flavor for your dressing, sauté onions and celery separately from each other. Doing this ensures that each ingredient has their proper cook time and that they retain their individual flavors.
5. Add enough chicken broth: The amount of chicken broth should be enough to saturate your bread cubes but not to make them soggy. Add chicken broth slowly and mix well after each addition until you get just the right amount of moisture.
6. Adjust seasoning before baking: One of the biggest regrets for people who are beginners is not checking on seasoning before baking, so always check if there is enough salt, pepper or seasoning before putting it inside the oven.
7. Cook at the right temperature: Set your oven to bake at a temperature between 350°F to 375°F so that the dressing will cook through evenly without being overcooked on one side.
8. Let it rest before serving: Once cooked, let your Southern Cornbread Dressing rest for at least five minutes before serving it. This time will give the flavors a chance to meld together, and your dressing will be the best version of itself.
These tips can make your Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe a winner!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to prepare the best Southern Cornbread Dressing, it is time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Here are some helpful tips and expert tricks for perfecting your dressing recipe and making sure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these FAQs will help you troubleshoot any potential issues and make sure your dressing is moist, flavorful, and traditional, just like Paula Deen would make it.
How to make Paula Deen cornbread dressing?
To start off this delicious southern-style recipe, we’ll need a quarter cup of butter. You’ll then want to chop up two cups of onions and two cups of celery. Don’t forget to mince a tablespoon of garlic as well. To create a flavorful base for our dish, we’ll be using two and a half cups of chicken broth and a 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup. For some added richness, we’ll add two lightly beaten large eggs, and a tablespoon of poultry seasoning to bring it all together.
How is Southern cornbread different?
In the northern region, cornbread is typically less sweet and contains fewer eggs and yellow cornmeal. This results in a crumbly texture. On the other hand, in the southern part of the country, cornbread is known for its buttery taste and can be made with either white or yellow cornmeal. It contains more eggs, which gives it a cakelike texture.
Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread?
Traditional Southern cornbread never includes sugar or wheat flour in the recipe. In fact, Southern cooks take pride in the use of white, coarsely ground cornmeal, which is the key ingredient in making this classic dish. The addition of sweeteners would only ruin the authentic taste and texture of the cornbread.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday meals. The homemade southern-style cornbread and herb seasoned bread creates the perfect blend of flavors and textures for that moist and traditional stuffing everyone craves.
With easy-to-follow instructions and ingredient lists that can be adjusted depending on your preferences, this recipe can be made gluten-free or customized with different meats and vegetables. Whether paired with chicken or turkey, this southern cornbread dressing will add a unique touch of flavor to your dinner table.
I highly recommend trying this recipe out for your next special meal. It’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends, and possibly even earn you the title of “best cook” in the family. So why not impress them all with this deliciously flavorful and absolutely irresistible Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe?
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (chop some of the leaves from a couple of stalks)
- 1 cornbread (can use a mix or homemade)
- 6 pieces white bread, toasted
- 1 egg, beaten
- chicken broth, to moisten (can use canned or homemade)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook onion and celery in some unsalted butter until they are soft, do not brown. Remove from heat.
- Crumble the cornbread and toast into a large bowl, add the onion mixture and mix well.
- Add the chicken broth a little at a time mixing well after each addition until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
- Add the egg, salt and pepper, mix well.
- Turn the mixture into a baking dish and smooth with a spoon.
- Bake at 350: until golden brown on top.
Add Your Own Notes
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