CORNBREAD DRESSING – Delicious & Homemade
Introduction
Get ready to make an incredible CORNBREAD DRESSING that everyone will love! This recipe combines simple ingredients with great flavor to create something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Follow along as we show you how to make this wonderful recipe step by step!
Of course! A classic cornbread dressing (or stuffing) is the heart of a holiday meal. This recipe is traditional, savory, and packed with flavor, with a perfect balance of a crispy top and a moist, tender interior.
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing
This recipe assumes you’re starting with already-baked cornbread. For the best flavor, bake your cornbread a day ahead and let it dry out slightly.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 45-55 minutes | Total Time: 1.5 hours + | Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread Base:
· 1 recipe (9×9 inch pan) of cornbread, cooled and crumbled (about 8-9 cups)
· 4-5 slices stale white bread or biscuits, torn into pieces (about 4 cups)
· Note: Using a combination of cornbread and a little white bread gives the perfect texture.
For the Aromatics (The “Holy Trinity”):
· ½ cup (1 stick) butter
· 2 cups finely chopped celery (about 4-5 stalks)
· 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion (1 large onion)
· 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional, but traditional)
For the Liquid:
· 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium preferred)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken or celery soup
· 4 large eggs, beaten
The Seasoning:
· 2 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped)
· 1 tbsp dried poultry seasoning
· 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste, especially if your broth is salted)
· ½ tsp black pepper
· ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
· Crumble the day-old cornbread and stale white bread into a very large mixing bowl. You want a mix of coarse and fine crumbs.
· Pro-Tip: For extra-dry bread, which helps it soak up the broth, spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
· In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
· Add the chopped celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are very soft and translucent. Do not brown them.
· Stir in the sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Dressing
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Pour the sautéed vegetable and butter mixture over the crumbled bread in the large bowl. Toss to combine.
· In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and beaten eggs until smooth.
· Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or your hands (the best tool!), gently toss and mix everything together until it is just combined and all the bread is moistened. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
· Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
· Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the center is set (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
· For an extra-crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it like a hawk!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
· Let the dressing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set fully, making it easier to scoop.
Pro-Tips for the Best Dressing:
· The Cornbread Matters: Use a classic, unsweetened Southern-style cornbread for this recipe. Sweet, cake-like Jiffy-style cornbread will work, but it will alter the flavor profile significantly.
· Don’t Skip the Eggs: The eggs are crucial for binding the dressing together and giving it a rich, custardy texture.
· Broth is Key: For the most flavor, use a high-quality, rich broth. Homemade turkey or chicken broth is ideal.
· Texture Check: After mixing, the dressing should be very moist, almost like a thick porridge. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth, ¼ cup at a time.
· Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing completely (through step 3) the day before. Cover and refrigerate. You will need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of cooked, crumbled sausage or diced giblets for a heartier dressing.
This classic cornbread dressing is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy
Conclusion
Congratulations on making this delicious CORNBREAD DRESSING! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.
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