If there’s a dish that captures the heart and soul of holiday gatherings in the South, it’s Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing. This lovingly crafted casserole combines pillowy cubes of bread, savory cornbread, a medley of tender vegetables, and a generous splash of rich broth. Each forkful hums with aromatic poultry seasoning, while a golden, crackly top gives way to a moist and flavorful interior. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting Sunday supper, this family favorite never fails to bring everyone back for a second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing is built from simple, honest ingredients—each one crucial for getting that classic taste just right. From homemade or store-bought cornbread to warm broth and aromatic veggies, these staples come together in perfect harmony.
- 8-inch pan of cornbread (crumbled): For best results, use day-old cornbread that’s not too sweet for that classic Southern flavor.
- 4 cups day-old white bread (cubed): Adds a delicate, pillowy softness and helps soak up all the homey flavors.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings a gentle, savory depth that makes the dressing irresistible.
- 3 celery stalks (chopped): Adds fresh crunch and mild, aromatic flavor to every bite.
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter: Nothing beats butter for richness and creating that signature golden top.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Essential for binding everything together so it sets just right.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: This blend of herbs delivers comforting, holiday-inspired goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Highlights all the other flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle, warming kick that balances the dish nicely.
- 3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably warm): Moistens the dressing while infusing it with rich, savory character.
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a final hint of garden-fresh flavor.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures easy cleanup later and prevents your dressing from sticking. While the oven warms up, your kitchen will start to fill with the anticipation of something special.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, letting them sweat gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until soft, translucent, and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid browning—this step builds the classic savory base you’ll taste in every serving.
Step 3: Mix the Breads
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the cubes of day-old white bread. The mix of textures is what gives Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing its wonderful body and irresistible crumb.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour your buttery, sautéed veggies over the bread mixture. Add in the lightly beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the seasoning and eggs are evenly distributed for flavor and structure.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in warm chicken or turkey broth, starting with 3 cups, and gently stir. The goal: get all the bread moist but not swimming—add more broth as needed. If you’re using parsley, toss it in now for extra color and freshness.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let the dressing rest for a good 10 minutes before serving, so it holds together beautifully when you scoop it out.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
For classic Southern flair, sprinkle a bit of extra chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few leaves of fresh sage add that extra-special touch and a gorgeous pop of color on your holiday table.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing pairs perfectly with classics like roast turkey, ham, or fried chicken. Don’t forget favorites like cranberry sauce, green beans, collard greens, or sweet potato casserole to round out your Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the dressing in individual ramekins for a plated dinner or scoop generous spoonfuls into decorative bowls. Leftover dressing also makes an amazing base for a breakfast hash the next morning—just crisp it up in a skillet and top with a runny fried egg!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing cool all the way, then cover the dish tightly or portion into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days; the flavors just keep getting better!
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked dressing for up to two months. Cool completely, wrap the dish well in foil and plastic wrap, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—it’s a great make-ahead side for future family gatherings.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, cover your dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. If you like a crispier top, uncover for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This actually allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, making it even more delicious.
What type Side Dish
Day-old, unsweetened cornbread is ideal for Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing. If it’s too fresh or too crumbly, let it sit out to dry just a bit, which helps it hold up to the broth.
Can I add meat or make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Add cooked and crumbled sausage or shredded chicken for richness. For a vegetarian version, swap the broth for veggie stock and skip the meat for a dish everyone can enjoy.
How do I know when the dressing is done?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown and the center should feel set but not dry. If you gently press near the center and it springs back a bit, it’s ready!
Is Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing gluten-free?
Not as written, since both the cornbread and white bread usually contain wheat. However, you can substitute with gluten-free versions of both and still enjoy the classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing from scratch, there’s no better time to start. Warm, comforting, and irresistibly savory, this dish transforms any meal into a celebration. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and get ready to create some truly joyful memories around the table!
Print
Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a classic holiday side dish that brings the flavors of the South to your table. With a perfect blend of savory ingredients and a touch of sweetness from cornbread, this dressing is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cornbread:
- 1 (8-inch) pan of cornbread (crumbled)
White Bread:
- 4 cups day-old white bread (cubed)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
Seasonings:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Broth:
- 3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth (preferably warm)
Parsley (optional):
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 8–10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed bread. Add the cooked vegetables, beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the warm broth, starting with 3 cups and adding more as needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in parsley if using.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this dressing a day ahead and bake it the next day.
- For added richness, mix in a bit of cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled sausage.
- Homemade or store-bought cornbread works well—just be sure it’s not too sweet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
