Impress Your Guests with Homemade Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, today I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes of all time – Southern Cornbread Dressing. I have been making this dish for as long as I can remember, and boy, it never fails to impress my friends and family.
If you’re a fan of soul food like me, then this recipe is right up your alley. This Southern-style cornbread dressing is packed with the perfect blend of herbs and spices like savory poultry seasoning, fresh sage, bell pepper, celery, and onion. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering aroma of chicken broth and turkey sausage that perfectly complements the delicious cornbread base.
Now, some might call this dish their “stuffing”. But let me clarify – this is no ordinary stuffing. It’s rich in flavor and history that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern comfort food. In fact, if you close your eyes while savoring each bite, you might just imagine yourself sitting on grandma’s porch on a warm summer evening.
So grab a pen and paper because you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of soul food and southern cooking, then this Southern Cornbread Dressing (Stuffing) recipe is an absolute must-try! There’s something comforting and nostalgic about traditional southern dressings that evoke memories of home and family gatherings.
One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe is the incredible combination of flavors and textures. The dressing features a perfect blend of cornbread, herb-seasoned stuffing, and vegetables like onions, celery and bell peppers. This mixture is then seasoned with savory poultry seasoning, fresh sage, and black pepper to give it a robust depth of flavor.
You’ll also appreciate how simple yet versatile this recipe is. You can use your own homemade cornbread or use store-bought materials to prepare the dish in no time. Plus, it’s easy to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can add boiled eggs to create a more filling and protein-rich meal.
Perhaps what sets this recipe apart from others is the fact that it’s hearty enough to be served as a main course, especially when paired with roasted chicken or turkey. It’s ideal for family gatherings or holiday feasts where people come together to share love and stories over heaping plates of delicious comfort food.
Finally, this Southern Cornbread Dressing (Stuffing) recipe offers a delightful way to bring some southern-style hospitality to your dinner table. Remember that in the south, food is much more than just sustenance; it’s an expression of love, warmth and open hearts. So slide on down to taste some good ol’ Southern goodness today!
Ingredient List
Cornbread dressing is a staple Southern side dish at holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving. This savory stuffing combines cornbread, fresh sage, and poultry seasoning with cubes of white bread for a moist, delicious dressing that complements the meal perfectly. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe:
Cornbread Ingredients:
- 6 cups of crumbled cornbread
- 8 cups of cubed white bread, crust removed
- 2 cups of finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 1 cup each of chopped red and green bell pepper
Dressing Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 3 cups of soft, crumbled cornbread
- 2 cups of moistened herb seasoned stuffing
- ½ cup each of chopped parsley and green onion
- 8 boiled, peeled and chopped hard boiled eggs
Poultry Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon of dried poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon each of rubbed sage, thyme and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chicken-flavored bouillon powder
Liquids:
- 3 -4 cups low salt chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten lightly
- melted butter
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking. Having everything measured and prepared beforehand will keep your workspace organized and efficient!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time for the fun part – let’s start cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Sausage
Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 stalks chopped celery, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Next, add in 1 pound of turkey sausage (removed from casings), and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Cornbread Dressing
In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of prepared crumbled cornbread, 6 cups of crusty French bread cut into small cubes, and 1 cup of herb seasoned stuffing mix. Add in the cooked vegetables and sausage, along with 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh sage, 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning, and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 large lightly beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the cornbread mixture, and gently toss everything together.
Step 4: Bake the Southern Cornbread Dressing
Grease a large baking dish with butter (1/4 cup should be enough). Spoon the cornbread dressing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Let the Southern Cornbread Dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or slices of juicy turkey. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Y’all may want to switch things up and add a bit of spice to the traditional Southern cornbread dressing by trying out some of these substitutions and variations.
For starters, instead of using turkey sausage in your dressing, jazz it up with some spicy sausage for an extra kick. If you’re not a fan of sausage, consider swapping it out for boiled eggs or shredded chicken to add some extra protein.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, use jiffy cornbread instead of old-fashioned cornbread in the recipe. You can also swap out the buttermilk cornbread for some herb seasoned stuffing mix or even pieces of crusty French bread.
For those who are vegetarian, omit the chicken broth and butter from the recipe and replace them with vegetable broth and olive oil for a healthy alternative. You can also add carrots, bell peppers, or other vegetables to bump up the nutrition factor.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cornbread or bread crumbs in place of regular bread crumbs. You can also swap out white bread for rice flour or almond flour for an alternative texture.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients based on your personal preferences — grandma’s cornbread dressing is all about soul food and making it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now, let’s talk about the best way to serve and pair this delicious southern cornbread dressing recipe. This savory dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile side dish for any occasion.
One classic pairing is to serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken. The dressing adds depth of flavor to the roasted bird, making each bite more satisfying than the last. Another great idea is to pair it with boiled eggs and turkey sausage for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
If you’re looking to keep things vegetarian, this southern cornbread dressing also goes well with sautéed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. Adding some greens like kale or collard greens is also a fantastic idea that can bring together any soul food feast.
Furthermore, this dish could easily take center stage as the centerpiece of your meal if you opt for a meat-free option. To round out the meal, serve it with a refreshing side salad and some fresh fruit or berries for dessert.
Remember, presentation is key; you can elevate this recipe further by garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sage.
Whether you choose to use this southern-style cornbread dressing as a stand-alone side dish or as part of a larger spread, one thing is certain: its savory flavor and soft texture will make every bite feel like being at Grandma’s house for Sunday dinner again!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Southern Cornbread Dressing is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing any of its flavors. This means you can concentrate on other dishes or just relax while the dressing is ready and waiting for you.
To make ahead, simply prepare the recipe as directed and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before reheating.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the dressing at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds. Be sure to add a bit of extra chicken broth or butter before reheating to keep it from drying out.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap individual portions in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
One tip for storing leftover dressing is to portion it out into smaller air-tight containers or ziploc bags. This will help with quicker thawing and easy meal prep throughout the week. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat as indicated above!
Overall, Southern Cornbread Dressing is a wonderful make-ahead dish that only gets better as it sits!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the recipe ingredients ready, let’s go over some tips that will guarantee your Southern Cornbread Dressing turns out perfect.
First and foremost, it is important to ensure that the cornbread is not overcooked, as dry and crumbly cornbread will lead to a less-than-ideal dressing. Secondly, if you prefer a moister dressing, be sure to add more chicken broth to the recipe.
Another key tip is to use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. In particular, fresh sage and poultry seasoning create a wonderful aroma and add a deep flavor to the dish. However, if you are running short on time or do not have access to fresh herbs, you can still use dried ones – just be sure to reduce the amount by half.
When making substitutions or variations to the recipe, such as using sausage instead of turkey or adding boiled eggs to the mixture, it is essential to balance the flavors accordingly. For example, if you add sausage, reduce the amount of chicken broth and avoid adding additional salt.
Moreover, using good quality butter and sliced vegetables is fundamental when preparing Southern Cornbread Dressing. The butter will bring richness and depth of flavor while onions, celery, bell pepper, and carrots will add texture to the dish.
Finally, after baking your Southern Cornbread Dressing for 50 minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C), allow it to rest for about ten minutes before serving. This will help set the structure of your stuffing so that it doesn’t fall apart when you cut into it.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Southern Cornbread Dressing will always be a hit at family gatherings and potluck parties alike!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make the perfect Southern cornbread dressing, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re new to making dressing or have years of experience, these tips will help you achieve the best results and enhance the flavor of your dish. Read on for answers to common questions about this soulful favorite.
What is the difference between cornbread stuffing and cornbread dressing?
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, there can be some confusion between stuffing and dressing. While stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, dressing is usually baked separately in a dish. In the Southern United States, dressing is commonly made with cornbread instead of the traditional white bread or baguette pieces.
How to make Paula Deen cornbread dressing?
For this delicious southern-style recipe, you’ll need a quarter cup of butter, two cups each of chopped onion and celery, and a tablespoon of minced garlic. You’ll also need two and a half cups of chicken broth, a can of cream of chicken soup, two large eggs lightly beaten, and a tablespoon of poultry seasoning. With these ingredients, we’ll create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
How do you keep cornbread dressing from being gummy?
When preparing cornbread dressing, there are several potential culprits that can lead to a gummy texture. One possibility is using too much liquid, causing the mixture to become overly moist. To combat this issue, try reducing the amount of liquid used in the recipe. Another cause could be inadequate baking time. If the bread isn’t baked for long enough, it may not fully set, contributing to a gummy consistency. To address this, consider increasing the baking time to ensure that the bread sets properly. Finally, if you don’t mix the ingredients evenly, it can result in clumps forming within the dressing, negatively impacting the overall texture. To avoid this, ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined in the mixing process.
Bottom Line
To conclude, southern cornbread dressing is the ultimate comfort food that provides a soul-warming experience with every bite. This classic recipe is versatile, customizable, and perfect for any holiday meal, potluck gathering or even as a hearty weekday side dish. The rich blend of flavors in this dish is sure to please both chicken and turkey lovers alike.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds and guests with my delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. With its savory blend of cornbread, aromatic vegetables and flavorful herbs, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate your cooking game to new heights.
I hope my tips and recommendations will help you achieve perfect results every time you make it. So, whether you want to enjoy it at your next family gathering or simply as a comfort food dish on a chilly day, this dressing recipe will surely satisfy your cravings.
Remember, the key to southern-style cuisine is flavor and love. So, what are you waiting for? Grab these ingredients from your kitchen shelf, follow my easy-to-follow steps and whip up this decadent recipe with the love that only grandma’s cooking could match!
Southern Cornbread Dressing (Stuffing) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey sausage, cooked
- 1 cup golden bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 (8 ounce) package ready made cornbread mix
- 1 1/2 cups oyster crackers
- 1 (14 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1 tablespoon nu salt substitute
- pepper
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 1 cup chicken or 1 cup turkey stock
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Make cornbread according to ackage directions and Crumble.
- preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix ingriedients in a large bowl.
- Pour into an 8x10 baking dish and bake about 40 minutes.
- Pour a little more stock over stuffing just before serving and garnish with more fresh sage leaves.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found