Nothing says comfort food quite like Southern Cornbread Dressing. Warm, savory, and deeply nostalgic, this dish is a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday suppers across the South. Unlike traditional stuffing made with bread cubes, this version uses crumbled cornbread, giving it a soft, rich interior and a golden, slightly crisp top.
Handed down through generations, this homemade cornbread dressing recipe combines sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and just the right amount of broth for a holiday side dish that steals the show. Visit this homestyle harvest casserole for another dish that celebrates cozy, from-scratch flavor.
🌽 What Is Cornbread Dressing?
Cornbread dressing—also known as Southern stuffing—is a beloved regional twist on traditional stuffing. Made with crumbled cornbread instead of white bread cubes, it’s moist, dense, and perfectly seasoned with herbs and savory aromatics.
It’s especially common in Southern homes during major holidays, often served alongside roast turkey, ham, or chicken. Visit this turkey taco bowl if you have leftover poultry and want to turn it into a new meal.
🛒 Ingredients
To make this classic Southern side dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- ½ cup butter
- 2–3 cups chicken broth (adjust based on how moist you want it)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning (guide to poultry seasoning)
- 1 tsp sage (optional but traditional)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for a fluffier texture)
👩🍳 Instructions: How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing
1. Prepare the Cornbread
- If you don’t have leftovers, bake a fresh batch of homemade cornbread and let it cool.
- Crumble it into small chunks in a large bowl. Visit this zucchini cornbread variation if you’re looking to try a veggie-packed twist.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and celery and cook until soft and fragrant, about 7–10 minutes.
3. Mix the Dressing
- Add the sautéed vegetables (and melted butter) to the crumbled cornbread.
- Stir in eggs, seasonings, and baking powder.
- Gradually add chicken broth, mixing gently until moist but not soggy.
4. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
💡 Tips & Variations
- 🦃 Add turkey or chicken: Stir in cooked meat to turn this into a casserole-style dish.
- 🍗 Enhance with drippings: Add a spoonful of turkey drippings or cream of chicken soup for a richer flavor.
- 🌿 Herb upgrades: Mix in thyme, rosemary, or parsley for depth and aroma.
- 🥘 Stuffing-style bake: Let it rest overnight in the fridge before baking to deepen the flavors.
- 🍳 Love savory bakes? Visit this breakfast sausage casserole for a morning version of Southern-style comfort.
🍽️ Perfect For…
This cornbread dressing recipe is the quintessential side for:
- 🍁 Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners
- 🥘 Sunday suppers with family
- 🍗 Any roasted poultry meal
- 🧺 Potluck gatherings or reunions
It pairs beautifully with gravy, cranberry sauce, and even buttermilk mashed potatoes for a full Southern spread.
❓ FAQs: Cornbread Dressing
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything the day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze unbaked dressing. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
What’s the best cornbread to use?
A classic Southern-style cornbread—not too sweet—is ideal for this recipe.
Do I need to add baking powder?
It’s optional, but it adds a touch of lightness. Especially useful if your cornbread is dense.
🥘 Final Thoughts: Southern Comfort in Every Bite
This Mama’s Cornbread Dressing recipe brings the warmth of tradition to every holiday table. With its soft, flavorful interior and crispy golden top, it embodies everything we love about Southern cooking—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and comforting nostalgia.
Make it once, and it’ll be a new family tradition for years to come.