Looking for the perfect side dish for your holiday table? This Homemade Cornbread Dressing is a delicious, comforting classic that’s sure to impress. With its rich, savory flavor and moist, fluffy texture, this cornbread dressing is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Made with freshly baked cornbread, buttery stuffing cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful vegetables, it’s the ultimate addition to your holiday menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cornbread Dressing is:
- Traditional and Comforting: The perfect blend of cornbread, herbs, and veggies that reminds you of home.
- Flavorful and Moist: Thanks to a balance of butter, chicken broth, and a mix of fresh herbs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cornbread ahead of time, making holiday cooking stress-free.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with sausage, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this Southern-inspired recipe is a must-have on your holiday table.
Ingredients
Cornbread
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Stuffing
- 1 bag (12 oz) dry stuffing cubes
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery (about 3-4 stalks), chopped
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2½ – 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and electric mixer
- 8×8 baking pan (for cornbread)
- 13×9 baking dish (for stuffing)
- Skillet (for sautéing vegetables)
- Spatula and wooden spoon
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven mitts
How to Make Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Make the Cornbread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Coat an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add milk, eggs, and softened butter to the dry mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Bake the Cornbread: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Dry the Cornbread: Let the cornbread cool completely. Prepare it 1-2 days ahead for best results. If it’s not fully dry, cut it into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C) and dry the cubes in the oven for 30-45 minutes, tossing every 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing Mixture
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, and sauté until soft and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in dried parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dressing
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the dried cornbread cubes and stuffing cubes.
- Mix in the Onion Mixture: Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the bowl. Mix well.
- Add Eggs and Broth: Lightly beat the eggs and add them to the cornbread mixture. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring with each addition. Use enough broth to moisten the mixture without making it soggy.
Step 4: Bake the Dressing
- Spread and Bake: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Add Sausage: Cooked and crumbled sausage adds a savory flavor and extra heartiness.
- Add Fruit or Nuts: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped pecans for a sweet and crunchy twist.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Herb Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs to suit your taste, or try using fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, drizzle a little melted butter over the dressing before baking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture might not be as crispy.
To freeze the dressing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Cornbread Dressing pairs perfectly with traditional holiday dishes, such as:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken – The classic pairing for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Ham or Pork Roast – The savory flavors complement the richness of the meat.
- Green Bean Casserole or Roasted Vegetables – For a balanced, colorful plate.
- Cranberry Sauce – Adds a tart and sweet contrast to the savory dressing.
- Gravy – Pour over the dressing for extra moisture and flavor.
Serve with your favorite holiday sides and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make Cornbread Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cornbread and dry it a day or two in advance. Assemble the dressing up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I Freeze Cornbread Dressing?
Absolutely! Cornbread dressing freezes well. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cornbread. Just make sure it’s dry before using it in the dressing.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the seasoning with poultry seasoning, rosemary, or garlic powder for added flavor.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Homemade Cornbread Dressing is a delicious, comforting classic that brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays to your table. With its perfectly balanced herbs, buttery richness, and moist texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! And be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
