Classic Cornbread Dressing is a timeless Southern staple that belongs at the center of any holiday table. Passed down through generations, this dish is all about comfort, tradition, and that unmistakable aroma that fills the house when family gatherings are near. Moist but not soggy, savory without being heavy, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes like home.
Unlike stuffing cooked inside the bird, traditional cornbread dressing is baked separately, allowing the top to turn lightly golden while the inside stays tender and flavorful. It’s simple, honest cooking—made with cornbread, aromatics, broth, and just the right seasoning.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with 40–45 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
You’ll need 8 cups crumbled cornbread, preferably homemade and a day old. Add 2 cups day-old white bread, crumbled for balance. For flavor, use ½ cup butter, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 celery stalks, finely chopped.
Season with 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bind everything together with 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, and 2 to 3 cups chicken broth, depending on how moist you like your dressing. Optional additions include 1 teaspoon dried sage or a small handful of chopped fresh parsley.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and white bread. Add the cooked onion and celery mixture, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs. Stir gently to combine.
Add the beaten eggs and begin pouring in the chicken broth gradually, mixing as you go, until the dressing is moist but not soupy. The mixture should hold together without being wet.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Cornbread Dressing pairs beautifully with roast turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans. It’s just as delicious alongside baked chicken or ham for Sunday dinner. A spoonful of gravy over the top makes it extra comforting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also prepare the dressing a day ahead, refrigerate unbaked, and bake fresh before serving.
A Dish That Tells a Story
Classic Cornbread Dressing isn’t just a side dish—it’s a tradition. Every family has their own version, and every bite carries memories of shared meals and holidays past. Simple, satisfying, and deeply familiar, this is one recipe that never goes out of style and always earns its place at the table.
Enjoy !!
