Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe: A Thanksgiving Essential!

When it comes to Thanksgiving, few side dishes steal the show quite like a perfectly prepared Southern Cornbread Dressing. This comforting dish, made with a delightful mix of cornbread and crusty French bread, packs a punch with its aromatic herbs and buttery richness. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just love Southern-style cuisine, this cornbread dressing will fit right into your festive menu.

I’m excited to walk you through this delicious, easy-to-make recipe that will leave everyone around your holiday table asking for seconds! Plus, if you love trying new dishes, don’t forget to get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Flavorful and Filling: A perfect balance of savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. This dressing is packed with layers of flavor, while the buttery base adds richness to every bite.
• Great for a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Customizable: Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or putting your own spin on it, cornbread dressing is versatile enough to adapt to different preferences or available ingredients.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: You can prep this dressing in advance and have one less thing to worry about on the big day.

What Does Southern Cornbread Dressing Taste Like?

Imagine the warm, comforting smell of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted French bread and the slight sweetness of cornbread. Each bite is savory, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a hint of herbaceousness. It’s the kind of dish that will have people coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf crusty French bread, cut into small cubes (about 6-8 cups), dried
• 1 cornbread (8×8 pan), cut into small cubes, dried
• 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh flat Italian parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Baking sheet (if drying bread in the oven)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Southern Cornbread Dressing

1. Prep Your Bread

Slice the French bread and cornbread into bite-size cubes and let them sit out for 1-2 days on a baking sheet to dry out. If you’re short on time, you can dry the bread in a 250°F oven for 30-45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes until crisp.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

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3. Prepare the Broth Mixture

Add the chicken broth, dried basil, thyme, sage, fresh rosemary, and parsley to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting all the herbs release their aromas into the broth.

4. Combine the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, melt the remaining butter. Add the eggs, salt, and pepper, and whisk until combined.

5. Assemble the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes. Drizzle the egg mixture over the bread and toss lightly. Slowly add the warm broth mixture, tossing gently to coat. Be careful not to over-saturate the bread—add just enough broth to moisten without making it soggy.

6. Bake

Transfer the assembled dressing into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until hot throughout and golden brown on top.

Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

• Dry Bread is Key: Properly dried bread will soak up the broth mixture without turning mushy.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dressing up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and increase the baking time by about 10 minutes when you’re ready to cook.
• Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes beautifully! Prep it up to 3-4 weeks in advance, freeze it, and then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Cornbread Dressing pairs wonderfully with all your Thanksgiving favorites! Try serving it alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. You can also add a touch of sweetness by serving with cranberry sauce, or even a drizzle of honey butter on top.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store the cooked dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Cornbread?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought cornbread works well in this recipe. However, I always recommend making homemade cornbread if possible for that extra homemade touch.

What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?

Vegetable broth works as a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Can I Add Meat to the Dressing?

Yes! You can easily add sausage or cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Brown the sausage or bacon before mixing it into the bread cubes.

Conclusion

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a holiday classic that your guests will love. With its perfect mix of savory herbs, buttery bread, and just the right amount of crunch, it’s a must-have dish on any Thanksgiving table. Trust me, this recipe is as heartwarming as it is flavorful, and you’ll be thankful you made it! If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, be sure to check out our recipes for Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Air Fryer Carrots, and the crowd-pleasing Pecan Pie Cheesecake.

Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest! Follow us at EmmaRecipes18 for more mouthwatering dishes. Happy cooking!

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