Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing

This old-fashioned Southern cornbread dressing is a holiday classic that’s rich, savory, and full of comforting flavors. Made with crumbled cornbread, white bread, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned to perfection, it’s the ultimate side dish to accompany your turkey or ham. Perfect for family gatherings, this recipe brings a taste of Southern tradition to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures the essence of holiday comfort food. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and highly customizable to suit individual tastes. The cornbread dressing has the perfect texture—crispy on top and moist on the inside. Plus, the make-ahead option makes it ideal for stress-free holiday prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cornbread:

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp sugar (optional)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

For the Dressing:

6 cups crumbled cornbread (from above recipe or store-bought)

4 slices white bread, torn into small pieces

1 cup chicken or turkey broth, plus more as needed

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 ribs celery, finely chopped

2 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp dried sage (optional)

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

Directions

Make the Cornbread:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch skillet or baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and oil. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before crumbling.

Prepare the Dressing:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, torn white bread, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, sage, and black pepper. Mix well.

Stir in the beaten eggs and broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.

Bake the Dressing:

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.

Serve:

Serve warm alongside turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday main dish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Make Ahead: Assemble the dressing a day in advance and bake it right before serving.

Add Protein: Include shredded chicken or turkey to make it a heartier dish.

Customize the Seasoning: Adjust the amount of sage or poultry seasoning to fit your taste preferences.

Add Sweetness: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

FAQs

How do I keep my dressing from being too dry?

To prevent dryness, make sure to add enough broth to the mixture so it’s moist but not soggy. You can add extra broth as needed.

Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought cornbread works perfectly if you’re short on time.

What can I substitute for sage?

If you’re not a fan of sage, try thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornbread and gluten-free bread to make this dressing suitable for gluten-free diets.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Stuffing is typically cooked inside the turkey, while dressing is baked separately in a dish.

Conclusion

This old-fashioned Southern cornbread dressing is a must-have for holiday gatherings. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and pairs beautifully with a range of main dishes. I hope this recipe brings warmth and tradition to your table, making your celebrations even more special.

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