There’s a reason cornbread dressing is the soul of the Southern holiday table—it’s rich, savory, and deeply comforting, with a texture that’s crispy on top and tender in the center. And when it’s Granddaddy’s version, you know it’s made with love, a cast-iron skillet, and zero shortcuts.
This recipe stays true to old-school roots: homemade cornbread (never sweet!), savory sausage, and a slow-simmered broth base that soaks into every golden cube. No fancy tricks—just honest ingredients, careful layering, and the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and say, “Yep… that’s it.”
Why This Dressing Stands the Test of Time
🌽 Uses unsweetened, crumbly cornbread—the only kind Granddaddy approved
🥩 Brown-sugar-cured sausage for deep, smoky-savory flavor
🧅 Onion + celery + sage—the Holy Trinity of Southern dressing
🥣 Moist but not mushy—perfect bite every time
💛 Made to feed a crowd—and leave ’em full and happy
If you believe dressing should be the star of the plate, not just a side, this is your heirloom recipe.For the Cornbread (Make 1–2 Days Ahead):
1½ cups (190g) stone-ground cornmeal
½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1¼ cups buttermilk
¼ cup whole milk
1 large egg
¼ cup (½ stick) melted bacon grease or butter
No sugar! (Granddaddy would’ve frowned)