Southern Cornbread Dressing

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Southern Cornbread Dressing is a staple at many holiday tables, especially in the South. This savory dish is the perfect side to complement turkey or chicken, with its rich flavors of homemade cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of herbs like sage and thyme. The cornbread, often made a day in advance to let it dry slightly, soaks up the flavors of the broth and seasonings, creating a moist and flavorful dressing that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp on top. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 skillet of cornbread, crumbled (about 6 cups)
  • 4 slices of day-old white bread, torn into small pieces
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 4 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the cornbread: Bake a batch of Southern-style cornbread ahead of time. Let it cool, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Add the torn white bread to the bowl and set aside.
  2. Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped celery and onion, cooking until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Mix the dressing: In the large mixing bowl with the cornbread and bread crumbs, add the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the beaten eggs, dried sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Gradually stir in the chicken broth, starting with 3 cups and adding more if necessary, until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
  4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cornbread dressing mixture evenly in the dish. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.
  5. Serve: Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and gravy.

Enjoy the comforting taste of Southern tradition with this classic cornbread dressing!