Southern Style Cornbread Dressing

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
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Southern Style Cornbread Dressing is a staple for any holiday gathering in the South. This dish combines the comforting flavors of homemade cornbread with aromatic vegetables and savory seasonings, making it a must-have on your dinner table.

Ingredients for Southern Style Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread forms the base of this dressing, providing a slightly sweet and crumbly texture. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor, melding everything together. The unsalted butter is used to sauté the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness. Celery and onion are classic aromatics that lend a savory note. Poultry seasoning brings out the essence of traditional holiday flavors, while salt and black pepper ensure the dish is perfectly seasoned. Finally, eggs help bind everything together, giving the dressing its structure.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your cornbread is too fresh, toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out. This helps it absorb the broth better.
  • Customize your seasoning to taste. Some people like to add a bit more pepper or even a pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with homemade turkey stock if you have it on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This cornbread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. For a complete Southern feast, serve it alongside green beans, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. It's also delightful as a standalone lunch with a side salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it fresh before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to a month. Just reheat it in the oven to maintain its texture.

Southern Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, you'll want to get started on the sauté. Melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped celery and onion, letting them mingle and soften for about 5 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they become translucent and aromatic.

In a large mixing bowl, bring together your crumbled cornbread and the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even distribution. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring as you go until everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.

Now, gently fold in the beaten eggs, making sure they're evenly mixed throughout. Transfer your mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out to cover the dish evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you're looking for a beautiful golden brown top and a set middle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of moistness and texture.
  • Aromatic and flavorful with every bite.
  • Simple, straightforward ingredients.
  • Quick to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 batch of cornbread, crumbled
6 cups of chicken broth
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1 cup of chopped celery
1 cup of chopped onion
1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
3 large eggs, beaten

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until well combined.
5. Add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set in the middle.

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