Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South with this mouthwatering cornbread dressing that's been passed down through generations. This isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that turns any meal into a celebration of flavor, tradition, and pure comfort food magic. Whether you're preparing for a holiday feast or craving a taste of Southern hospitality, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pan cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and celery in a little butter over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will help release their flavors and create a more aromatic base for the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cornbread into fine, even pieces. Make sure there are no large chunks to ensure a consistent texture.
- Add the sautéed onions and celery to the crumbled cornbread. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture has a moist, but not soggy consistency.
- Sprinkle in the sage, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The center should be set and not liquid.
- Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish, especially alongside roasted turkey or chicken during holiday meals.
Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture – slightly dried out bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more authentic dressing.
- Don't overmix the ingredients. Gently fold the components together to keep the dressing light and fluffy.
- For extra moisture, you can add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry.
- Fresh sage makes a huge difference – if possible, use freshly chopped sage instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Let the dressing rest after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the dressing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain its original texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
