traditional cornbread dressing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional cornbread dressing recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my traditional cornbread dressing recipe, a classic Southern favorite that never fails to impress. This dish has been a staple in our family for generations, and I’m thrilled to pass it down to you. The first time I tried cornbread dressing was at my grandmother’s house, where she would serve it alongside her famous fried turkey on Thanksgiving.

It was love at first bite – the perfect combination of crunchy cornbread, savory herbs, and spices that just melt together in your mouth. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of this recipe, which can be adapted to suit any occasion or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want a comforting side dish for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please.

But what really sets this recipe apart is its incredible health benefits. By using whole wheat cornbread and incorporating fresh herbs like sage and thyme, we’re getting a nutrient-rich side dish that’s not only delicious but also good for us. Plus, the fact that it’s made with fresh vegetables and herbs means we’re avoiding preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought dressings.

My kids absolutely adore this recipe – they love helping me mix the ingredients together and watching the magic happen as it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece. And let me tell you, it’s not just the kids who are fans – my husband raves about it too! He loves how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – whether we’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a topping for soups or salads.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, adjusting the proportions of cornbread to herbs and spices until it reaches that perfect balance of flavors. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for our family gatherings – everyone raves about it! So if you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, look no further than this traditional cornbread dressing recipe.

Traditional Cornbread Dressing

Traditional Cornbread Dressing

4.6 from 745 votes

This classic Southern cornbread dressing is a holiday staple, made with crumbled cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs. It is baked until golden and crisp on top, with a moist and tender interior.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cornbread

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Dressing

4 cups crumbled day-old cornbread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken or turkey broth, low sodium
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
3In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
5Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined, with no dry streaks.
6Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7Bake the cornbread for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8Let it cool completely in the pan, then crumble it into coarse crumbs.
9You should have about 4 cups of crumbled cornbread.
10Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
11In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
12Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
13Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
14In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
15Pour in the broth and beaten egg, then stir gently until the mixture is evenly moistened.
16The dressing should be wet but not soupy.
17Transfer the dressing to the same greased 8-inch square baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
18Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set in the center.
19Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

8-inch square baking pan
Mixing bowls
Large skillet
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For best texture, use cornbread that is 1 to 2 days old. You can add cooked crumbled sausage or chopped hard-boiled eggs for variation. If the dressing seems dry before baking, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Cornbread Dressing Works

This traditional cornbread dressing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want a comforting side dish for everyday meals.

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated when needed.

Try serving it alongside roasted meats or using it as a topping for soups and salads – your guests will love it!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cornbread Dressing

What is cornbread dressing?

Cornbread dressing is a classic Southern side dish made from crumbled cornbread mixed with herbs, spices, and vegetables. It’s typically served alongside roasted meats or as a topping for soups and salads.

How do I make cornbread dressing from scratch?

To make cornbread dressing from scratch, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of stale cornbread crumbs with 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage leaves, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Can I use store-bought cornbread instead of homemade?

While store-bought cornbread can be used as a substitute in a pinch, I highly recommend making your own homemade cornbread for this recipe. The texture and flavor will be far superior to anything you can buy in a store.

How long does cornbread dressing keep in the fridge?

Cornbread dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months – simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cornbread crumbs.

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