Southern Dressing: A Classic Cornbread Dish
Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
Southern dressing is a classic Southern dish that is often served as a side during Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a delicious blend of crumbled cornbread and savory seasonings that come together to create a warm and comforting dish. This particular recipe for cornbread dressing is a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at this recipe, explore its history and cultural significance, and I’ll share some tips for making it perfectly every time.
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Why You’ll Love Southern Cornbread Dressing
The recipe for this cornbread dressing is simple, but the flavor is anything but. The base of the dish is a package of Pepperidge Farms herb dressing mix, which provides a blend of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the cornbread. The corn muffins are crumbled and mixed with diced onions and celery, which add a crunch and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Dry-rubbed sage is added for a warm and earthy flavor, and two beaten eggs are used to bind everything together. Finally, chicken broth is added to moisten the mixture and bring all of the flavors together.
What is the difference in stuffing and dressing?
Stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Stuffing is a mixture of ingredients that is traditionally cooked inside the cavity of a turkey, while dressing is a similar mixture that is cooked outside of the bird, usually in a casserole dish. In some parts of the country, stuffing refers to a bread-based mixture, while dressing refers to a cornbread-based mixture. The use of different ingredients in the two dishes can result in varying flavors and textures. Dressing tends to be moister and more crumbly, while stuffing can be denser and more compact. The choice of whether to make stuffing or dressing often comes down to personal preference and regional traditions.
Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Pepperidge Farms Herb Dressing
- corn muffins
- small onion
- celery
- dry rubbed sage
- eggs
- chicken broth or broth from the turkey to moisten it as you mix it
- Salt & Pepper
How to make Southern Dressing
The first step in making this cornbread dressing is to bake the corn muffins. You’ll want to make sure that they are fully cooked and cooled before you start crumbing them. If you try to crumble them while they’re still warm, they’ll just turn into a mushy mess. Once the muffins are cooled, crumble them into a large mixing bowl.
Next, dice the onion and celery and add them to the bowl with the crumbled muffins. Mix everything together until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Add the dry rubbed sage and mix it in, making sure that it’s evenly distributed.
In a separate large bowl, beat two eggs until they’re fully mixed. Add the beaten eggs to the cornbread mixture and mix everything together until the eggs are fully incorporated. At this point, you’ll want to start adding the chicken or turkey broth a little bit at a time.
The amount of broth you need will depend on the consistency of your cornbread mixture. You want it to be moist but not overly wet. Keep adding broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Once the mixture is fully mixed and moistened, transfer it to a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. You can use cooking spray to grease the dish, or you can use butter or oil. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, making sure that it’s compacted and level. Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
Once the cornbread dressing is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This dish is best served warm, but it’s also delicious cold the next day. In fact, some people say that it’s even better the second day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Southern cuisine has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that is reflected in the array of side dishes served during Thanksgiving. From savory greens to sweet potato casseroles, Southern side dishes are known for their bold flavors and comforting textures. Here are a few of the most popular Southern side dishes that are commonly served during Thanksgiving:
- Collard Greens – This traditional Southern dish is made by slow-cooking collard greens with bacon or ham hocks, onions, and garlic until they are tender and flavorful. Some people add vinegar or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – This sweet and savory side dish is a Southern classic. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
- Cornbread Dressing – Cornbread dressing, also known as cornbread stuffing, is a staple of Southern Thanksgiving tables. It’s made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, sage, and chicken broth, and baked until it’s crispy on top and moist on the inside.
- Macaroni and Cheese – This creamy and indulgent dish is a favorite of many Southern families. It’s made with elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a rich and creamy sauce, and baked until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Green Bean Casserole – This classic Thanksgiving side dish is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Overall, Southern side dishes are a beloved part of Thanksgiving celebrations. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re a fan of collard greens, sweet potato casserole, or cornbread dressing, there’s something for everyone at a Southern Thanksgiving table.
Cornbread dressing is a dish that’s steeped in tradition and history. For many families, including ours, it’s a beloved part of their holiday celebrations. It’s often served alongside other Southern classics, like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared with
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. This recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down for generations. It's simple to make, yet the flavor is anything but. The blend of crumbled cornbread, savory seasonings, and moist chicken broth creates a warm and comforting dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. of Pepperidge Farms Herb Dressing
- 6 baked and cooled corn muffins crumbled
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 stalks of celery diced
- 2 Tbs. of dry rubbed sage more to taste if needed
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2-3 cups of chicken broth or broth from the turkey to moisten it as you mix it
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients and place in a greased (I use the spray Pam) 9 x 13 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool and cut into squares. Enjoy!
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This is even better the second day!
Mmh, this looks so delicious! Thank you fro sharing your recipe.
Absolutely! It is delicious for sure!
Stuffing is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. I love to try new versions. I have never tried making one with cornbread. Thanks!
Mine too! You will have to try it and let us know how you like it!
Stuffing is my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving! This looks soo yummy!
Mine too!
My family loves stuffing. I’ll have to pass this along.