This Old Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe tastes just like Grandma used to make! Baked in a casserole dish, this classic Southern side uses simple ingredients for big flavor. Perfect for your holiday meal.
celery, onion, salt, sage, broth, bread, cornbread, and eggs on a wooden board
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a heaping helping of Grandma’s cornbread dressing. While turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes are all delicious, this dressing truly steals the show. This recipe embodies the essence of Southern comfort food: simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Dressing vs. Stuffing: What’s the Difference?
While both dressing and stuffing share similar ingredients like stale bread, vegetables, herbs, broth, and sometimes eggs or meat, the key difference lies in the cooking method. Dressing is baked in a separate casserole dish, while stuffing is cooked inside the turkey cavity. This recipe focuses on dressing for several reasons:
- Food Safety: Baking the dressing separately reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
- Even Cooking: Ensures both the turkey and dressing cook thoroughly without compromising flavor or texture.
- Superior Taste: Baking in a casserole dish allows the dressing to develop a crispy top and moist interior.
- Grandma’s Way: This recipe honors tradition, preserving the cherished flavors of family gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing
This old fashioned cornbread dressing recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients:
- Cornbread: The foundation of this dish. Use a savory cornbread, preferably homemade and dried out for optimal texture.
- Bread: Any stale bread works well: white, wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously to enhance the overall flavor. Use low-sodium broth if needed.
- Sage: The star spice in this recipe, providing a distinct earthy aroma.
- Onions and Celery: Add aromatic depth and texture. No need to sauté beforehand.
- Chicken Broth: Homemade broth adds richness and depth of flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use large eggs for best results.
Making the Perfect Cornbread for Dressing
A savory cornbread is crucial for this recipe. Avoid sweet cornbread mixes. A homemade cornbread recipe, or a simple savory mix like Martha White’s hot rise, is recommended.
How to Make Grandma’s Cornbread Dressing
Follow these simple steps to recreate this classic Southern dish:
- Prepare the Bread: Dry out both the cornbread and bread cubes a day or two in advance. Toasting helps if time is short.
- Preheat and Combine: Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble cornbread and combine with bread cubes, salt, pepper, sage, diced onions, and celery in a large bowl.
- Add Broth and Eggs: Gradually add 5 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Whisk eggs and incorporate into the mixture. The consistency should be very wet; add more broth if needed.
- Bake: Pour into a greased 10×15 inch casserole dish. Bake covered for 1 hour.
- Check for Doneness: Uncover and shake the dish. If it jiggles, bake uncovered for 5-20 minutes more, until firm but moist.
Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
- Homemade Broth: Boiling a whole chicken for broth elevates the flavor significantly.
- Drying the Bread: This ensures the dressing absorbs the broth properly and doesn’t become mushy.
- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
- Doneness Test: The dressing is done when it’s firm to the touch and no longer jiggles.
This old fashioned Southern cornbread dressing recipe is a testament to the enduring power of simple, homemade food. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.
