Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Savory and Comforting: The rich, savory flavors of cornbread, herbs, and vegetables make this dish the ultimate comfort food.
• Perfect for Holidays: Cornbread dressing is a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s delicious any time of year.
• Easy to Make Ahead: This dressing can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dish for busy holiday cooking.
• Customizable: Add sausage, cranberries, or nuts to create your own twist on this classic recipe.

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Key Ingredients

• Cornbread: Use homemade or store-bought cornbread as the base for this dressing.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor and sweetness to the dish.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a mild, savory flavor.
• Butter: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the dressing.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the cornbread and adds a savory flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the dressing together and provide structure.
• Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, and parsley give the dressing a classic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the dressing.

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How to Make Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

• If you’re using homemade cornbread, prepare it according to your favorite recipe and let it cool completely. You’ll need about 6 cups of crumbled cornbread for this recipe. Store-bought cornbread works too!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of crumbled cornbread and the sautéed vegetables. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons of fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried), and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 large eggs. Pour the broth mixture over the cornbread and vegetables, stirring gently until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

• Transfer the cornbread mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
• Bake the dressing for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

• Allow the dressing to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

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Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

1. Use Day-Old Cornbread: Slightly stale or day-old cornbread works best for this recipe because it absorbs the broth better and holds its shape.
2. Add More Broth if Needed: If the dressing seems too dry before baking, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. The dressing should be moist but not soggy.
3. Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to add cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the dressing for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it before baking, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

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Recipe Variations

• Sausage Cornbread Dressing: Add cooked, crumbled sausage to the cornbread mixture for a heartier dish.
• Cranberry Cornbread Dressing: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
• Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing: Use gluten-free cornbread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Cornbread Dressing: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cornbread dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked dressing, then bake it just before serving.

2. How do I store leftover cornbread dressing?

Store leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze cornbread dressing?

Yes, cornbread dressing can be frozen. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

4. What can I serve with cornbread dressing?

Cornbread dressing pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, ham, or pork. It’s a classic side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas meals but is also great with any roasted meat or vegetable dish

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