Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

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Southern Cornbread Dressing – A Classic Family Favorite

If you’re looking for the perfect cornbread dressing recipe, this Southern-style classic is the one! Made with crumbly, homemade cornbread, aromatic herbs, and rich chicken stock, this dressing is a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting meal.

Unlike stuffing, which is traditionally cooked inside the turkey, cornbread dressing is baked separately, allowing it to develop a beautifully golden crust while staying soft and moist on the inside. The combination of buttery sautéed onions and celery, warm sage, and savory chicken stock makes this dish irresistibly flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Southern comfort – This dressing is fluffy, moist, and packed with rich, savory flavor.
  • Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together for an effortless yet impressive side dish.
  • Perfect for the holidays – No Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is complete without it.
  • Customizable – Easily adjust the herbs, spices, and add-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dressing rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups crumbled cornbread – The foundation of this dressing, providing a slightly sweet, buttery texture.
  • 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 small onion, diced – Enhances the dish with a mild, sweet-savory aroma.
  • ½ cup chopped celery – Provides a subtle crunch and freshness.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten – Helps bind the dressing, giving it a light yet firm texture.
  • 2 cups chicken stock – Adds moisture and deep, savory flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage (or more to taste) – Infuses a warm, earthy taste that’s essential to classic cornbread dressing.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste – Brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Base

  • Place crumbled cornbread into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add diced onions and chopped celery.
  • Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

  • Add the sautéed onions and celery to the crumbled cornbread.
  • Stir in chicken stock, beaten eggs, sage, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix until well combined, ensuring all the cornbread is evenly moistened.

Step 5: Bake the Dressing

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp.

Pro Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

  • Use Day-Old Cornbread – Slightly drier cornbread absorbs the stock better, giving the dressing a perfectly soft, not soggy, texture.
  • Adjust the Sage – If you love a strong, herby flavor, add an extra teaspoon of sage. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce it slightly.
  • For Extra Flavor – Add a sprinkle of poultry seasoning or a pinch of thyme.
  • Make it Ahead – Prepare the dressing a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

This Southern-style cornbread dressing is the perfect side dish for:

  • Roast Turkey – The ultimate Thanksgiving pairing.
  • Honey-Glazed Ham – Balances the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
  • Southern Gravy – Drizzle some homemade giblet or turkey gravy over the dressing for extra moisture and richness.
  • Cranberry Sauce – A sweet-tart contrast that enhances every bite.

Why This Cornbread Dressing is a Must-Try

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is everything you want in a holiday side dish—warm, comforting, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with flavor. Whether served at a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner, this old-fashioned recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Try it today and bring a taste of the South to your table!