Savory Southern Herb Cornbread Dressing

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Savory Southern Herb Cornbread Dressing is a comforting, flavorful side dish perfect for your holiday table or any family gathering. With its blend of fresh herbs and a touch of cayenne, it's a delightful twist on a classic Southern staple.

Ingredients for Savory Southern Herb Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread and white bread form the base of this dressing, offering a wonderful mix of textures—crumbly yet firm. Butter adds richness and helps sauté the veggies. A mix of onion, celery, and garlic infuses the dish with a savory foundation. Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme provide vibrant, earthy notes, while poultry seasoning and a touch of cayenne pepper add warmth and depth. Chicken broth keeps everything moist, and eggs help bind the ingredients together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread might make it too mushy.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
  • If you prefer a more moist dressing, add an extra half cup of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. It’s also a great side for pork chops or a honey-glazed ham. For a complete Southern feast, serve it alongside collard greens and sweet potato casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Just replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and bake it right before serving.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work too, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more potent.

Savory Southern Herb Cornbread Dressing Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you are. Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion, celery, and garlic, and let them sauté for about five minutes until they're nice and soft. You should start to smell that irresistible fragrance filling your kitchen.

While those are cooking, crumble the cornbread into a large bowl and add the cubed white bread. Once your veggies are done, add them to the bowl along with the parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Give it all a good mix to combine those flavors.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and the beaten eggs. Stir until everything is well combined and the bread is nicely soaked. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Now, transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, crispy top that beckons you to dig in. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the best of cornbread and white bread for a perfect texture.
  • Fresh herbs bring a garden-fresh taste and aroma that elevate the dish.
  • Simple preparation steps make it accessible even for beginner cooks.
  • A crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit at any festive meal.

Ingredients

2 cups yellow cornbread, crumbled
1 loaf of day-old white bread, cubed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups chicken broth
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and cayenne pepper to the bread mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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