When the holidays arrive, there’s always one dish that steals the spotlight at the dinner table—cornbread dressing. This Southern classic is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect companion to turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. While mashed potatoes may often be considered essential, many families would argue that no Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner feels complete without a big pan of warm, golden-brown cornbread dressing.
This dish combines crumbled buttermilk cornbread, bread crumbs, aromatic vegetables, savory herbs, and a rich broth to create a side dish that is moist, fragrant, and full of flavor. If you’ve never tried it before, now is the time to add it to your holiday menu.
What Makes Cornbread Dressing Special
Cornbread dressing differs from traditional bread stuffing in one key way—it uses cornbread as the base. The cornbread gives the dish a tender, slightly crumbly texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory herbs like sage and poultry seasoning. Combined with onions, celery, and rich broth, the result is a dish that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Unlike stuffing, which is often cooked inside the turkey, dressing is baked separately in a casserole dish. This makes it easier to control texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Ingredients for Cornbread Dressing
To make a pan of delicious cornbread dressing, you’ll need simple ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 large onions, chopped
These add texture and flavor, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
Fats for Flavor and Moisture
- 1 stick margarine
- 1 stick butter
Both margarine and butter are used for richness. If you prefer, you can use only butter for a more indulgent flavor.
Bread Base
- 5 cups crumbled buttermilk cornbread (dry)
- 5 cups dry bread crumbs
The combination of cornbread and bread crumbs ensures the dressing is both hearty and well-structured.
Liquid and Binder
- 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 4 large eggs, beaten
The broth moistens the mixture, while the eggs help bind it together, creating a cohesive texture when baked.
Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 3 teaspoons sage (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
These spices are what transform bread and broth into a flavorful, festive side dish. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it preheats, prepare your ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a large baking pan with non-stick spray (such as Pam) or butter. This ensures the dressing doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 3: Mix Vegetables and Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery and onions with melted butter or margarine. Add in the crumbled cornbread and bread crumbs. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Eggs
Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the mixture. Stir in the beaten eggs. At this stage, the mixture should look quite soupy—that’s intentional. Dressing that starts out too dry will become crumbly and unpleasant after baking. If necessary, add more broth until the mixture is moist and pourable.
Step 5: Season the Dressing
Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Taste the mixture (before adding raw eggs, or make a small sample without them) to ensure the flavor is balanced. Adjust as needed.
Step 6: Bake the Dressing
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is firm and set.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve alongside your holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Thanksgiving Pairing: Serve with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce.
- With Ham or Chicken: Works beautifully as a side dish for glazed ham or roasted chicken.
- Vegetarian Meal: Pair with roasted vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes for a comforting vegetarian-friendly dinner.
- With Gravy: Pour rich turkey or chicken gravy over the top for extra indulgence.
Storage and Reheating
Cornbread dressing is a great make-ahead dish and stores well.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing
- Dry Cornbread Works Best: Fresh cornbread can make the dressing mushy. Bake cornbread a day or two ahead and let it dry out before crumbling.
- Don’t Skimp on Broth: Dressing should start out very moist. If the mixture looks dry, add more broth.
- Taste Before Baking: Adjust seasoning before adding eggs to ensure the flavor is right.
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade turkey or chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the dressing a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake on the day of serving.
Variations to Try
- Sausage Cornbread Dressing: Add cooked, crumbled sausage for a heartier version.
- Oyster Dressing: Mix in fresh oysters for a coastal Southern twist.
- Herb Lovers’ Dressing: Increase sage and add fresh thyme and rosemary for an herbal punch.
- Gluten-Free Dressing: Use gluten-free cornbread and bread crumbs.
- Spicy Dressing: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cornbread dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when ready to serve.
What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?
Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey, while dressing is baked separately in a dish. This recipe is technically dressing, though many people use the terms interchangeably.
Can I use only cornbread instead of mixing with bread crumbs?
Yes, but keep in mind that cornbread alone may make the dish more crumbly. Adding bread crumbs helps with structure.
How do I keep my dressing from being too dry?
Ensure the mixture is very moist before baking. If it seems dry, add more broth. Also, avoid overbaking.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth works just as well and may even be easier to find year-round.
Is this dish vegetarian?
The base is vegetarian-friendly if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
Cornbread dressing is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting tradition that brings families together. With its savory flavors, tender texture, and versatility, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is cherished in so many households.