There’s no dish quite as deeply nostalgic as Cornbread Dressing—the golden, herb-flecked, buttery centerpiece of Southern holiday feasts. Often called “stuffing” up North, but down South, it’s dressing: baked separately from the bird, with a crisp top, tender center, and the unmistakable sweetness of crumbled cornbread mingling with celery, onions, and sage.
This recipe is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, with just the right balance of texture and moisture. It’s what you make when you want to honor tradition, feed a crowd, and fill your kitchen with the aroma of sage and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌽 Uses homemade or store-bought cornbread (we won’t tell!)
🧈 Buttery, herby, and perfectly moist—not dry or dense
🥣 One 9×13 pan = feeds 8–10 generously
💛 Essential for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday supper
🌾 Naturally nut-free & easily adaptable
Ingredients You’ll Need6–7 cups dry, crumbled cornbread (from a double batch of basic cornbread or 2 store-bought 8″ rounds)
2 cups dry, crumbled white bread or brioche (adds tenderness—don’t skip!)
For the Dressing:
1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter
2 cups celery, finely diced
2 cups yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1½ tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional but classic)
3½–4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (warm)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten (keeps dressing moist)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp paprika or pinch of cayenne for warmth
💡 Pro Tips:
Dry your cornbread: Leave cubes out overnight or bake at 300°F for 15 mins—moist bread = mushy dressing.
Sauté veggies well: Soft, sweet, golden onions and celery = flavor foundation.
Use warm broth: Helps eggs incorporate smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Moist, Crisp-Edged, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Bread
Crumble cornbread and white bread into a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
Add celery and onion. Cook 10–12 minutes until very soft and golden.
Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more.
3. Combine & Moisturize
Pour veggie mixture over bread cubes. Toss gently.
Gradually stir in warm broth until dressing is moist but not soggy (start with 3½ cups—you can add more).
Let cool 10 minutes. Stir in beaten eggs.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Transfer dressing to dish. Cover with foil.
Bake 30 minutes.
Uncover. Bake 15–20 more minutes, until top is golden and crisp.
Rest 10 minutes before serving.
