Name: Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 pan of cornbread (about 6 cups, crumbled); 4 cups day-old white bread, cubed and dried; 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sage; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 3–4 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably warm); Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

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If you dream about cozy holiday dinners, no table feels complete without a generous dish of Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing. It’s a soul-warming casserole that’s more than just a side—it’s a celebration of family, comfort, and centuries-old Southern tradition. With its golden crust, moist and tender center, and the unbeatable aroma of sage and poultry seasoning wafting through the kitchen, this is the kind of recipe you’ll make year after year. Ready to bring some old-fashioned magic to your own gathering?

Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing shines because the ingredients are simple but each one brings something memorable to the table. The cornbread forms the backbone, day-old bread creates a tender texture, and classic herbs give that unmistakable holiday flavor—let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

1 pan of cornbread (about 6 cups, crumbled): Homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s a bit dry—moist cornbread makes the dressing too mushy.
4 cups day-old white bread, cubed and dried: Dry bread soaks up the broth and seasons perfectly, resulting in a soft but not soggy texture.
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté those veggies until they’re meltingly tender.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: A sweet and savory base that builds depth into every bite.
3 celery stalks, finely chopped: Classic crunch and a little pop of fresh green amid all that softness.
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: The nostalgic blend that makes this taste like grandma’s house at Thanksgiving.
1 teaspoon dried sage: Absolutely essential for that old-school Southern punch.
½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together—remember, broth adds some saltiness too.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances everything and gives a gentle warmth.
2 large eggs, beaten: These help hold the dressing together for that perfect sliceable texture.
3–4 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably warm): Add gradually until the mix is moist but never soupy—this makes or breaks your dressing.
Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds lovely color and a burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This makes sure the cornbread dressing bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. While the oven warms up, crumble your cornbread and cube the day-old white bread. If your bread isn’t quite dry, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 5–10 minutes for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the stick of butter over medium heat, then add in the chopped onion and celery. The veggies should soften up and become almost translucent in about 7–8 minutes. Stir them often and enjoy the buttery fragrance—it’s a preview of the flavor coming your way!

Step 3: Combine the Breads and Veggies

Tip the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread into a big mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed onion, celery, and all that fragrant butter over the bread mixture. Add the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper right on top so everything’s ready to mix.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Broth

Stir in the beaten eggs, then slowly pour in the warm broth, a little at a time. Mix gently as you go. The secret here is to stop adding broth when the mixture is moist but not swimming. Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing should hold together in the baking dish, so aim for a thick but spoonable consistency. If you’re a fan of fresh flavors, stir in parsley now too!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top and pop it in the oven uncovered. Bake for 40–45 minutes. When the top is golden brown, and the center is set, it’s ready. The aroma will make your whole kitchen feel like a Southern feast in progress!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even sliced green onions right before serving adds a spark of color and freshness that makes each serving irresistible. You can even drizzle a little melted butter over the top for extra shine if you’re feeling decadent!

Side Dishes

This classic recipe pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a vegetarian main. Add sweet-tart cranberry sauce, rich turkey gravy, and a crisp salad for the ultimate Southern holiday plate. Of course, you can’t forget some slow-cooked green beans or baked sweet potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing in individual ramekins for an elegant twist at special dinners. Or, scoop servings into decorative bowls and top them with a swirl of homemade gravy for a rustic family-style look that’s both comforting and beautiful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—each day, the flavors deepen, making those leftovers a coveted treat!

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze your Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing mixture unbaked in a covered, freezer-safe dish. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh. You can also freeze baked leftovers; just wrap portions tightly for up to a month for easy reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. If the dressing feels a bit dry, drizzle a bit of broth over the top beforehand. Individual portions can also be microwaved for quick and cozy meals.

FAQs

How do I know when my dressing is fully cooked?

This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is done when the top is golden and a knife poked in the center comes out clean. The edges should be just crisp, while the inside stays moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken or turkey broth for a savory vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. For gluten-free needs, use certified gluten-free cornbread and bread, and double-check all seasonings.

What’s the best way to dry out my bread cubes?

If you’re short on time, cube the bread and bake it in a single layer at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway. They should be dry but not browned—perfect for absorbing all that delicious broth.

Can I add meat to my cornbread dressing?

For a heartier version, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or turkey with the bread mixture before baking. It’s a classic Southern way to make the dish even more satisfying, especially for leftovers!

What’s the difference between dressing and stuffing?

Traditionally, “stuffing” is cooked inside the bird, while “dressing” is baked separately in a dish. Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing gets its signature texture and rich flavor by being baked outside the turkey, allowing that golden crust to form.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing with loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that instantly transports you to the heart of the South, filling homes with laughter and warmth. Give this time-honored tradition a try and make it your own; each bite is a memory in the making!

Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a combination of cornbread, white bread, aromatic veggies, and flavorful seasonings, this dressing bakes up beautifully golden brown and is sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

1 pan of cornbread (about 6 cups, crumbled)

White Bread:

4 cups day-old white bread, cubed and dried

Vegetables and Seasonings:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

2 large eggs, beaten
3–4 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably warm)
Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
Combine Ingredients: Add sautéed vegetables, seasonings, and beaten eggs to the bread mixture. Slowly mix in warm broth.
Add Parsley: Stir in parsley if using. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set.