A Guide to Making Delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing is a beloved Southern dish, perfect for adding a touch of comfort and warmth to any festive holiday meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this simple yet flavorful recipe will have you creating a memorable dish for your next special occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your very own cornbread dressing.

Ingredients You'll Need

Cornbread

1 cup cornmeal 1 cup buttermilk or milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar 1/2 cup flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 large egg 1/4 cup melted butter or oil

Dressing

4 cups crumbled cornbread from the recipe above 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, adjust for desired moisture 1 tsp dried sage 1 tsp dried thyme Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional 2 large eggs, beaten, optional for a richer texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool, then crumble the cornbread into a large bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion, celery, and garlic in a bit of oil or butter until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled cornbread and stir.

Mix in the broth gradually, stirring until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. It should be moist but not soggy. Add the sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well. If using, fold in the beaten eggs for a richer texture.

Step 3: Bake the Dressing

Before adding the mixture to a greased baking dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Baste the dressing with a bit of butter or broth before transferring it to the greased baking dish. Bake the dressing for about 30-40 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top.

Serving Suggestions

Warm this homemade cornbread dressing as a side dish with your roasted turkey, chicken, or any festive meal. Its rich, comforting texture and savory aroma will surely enhance the dining experience for all your guests. Enjoy your delightful cornbread dressing!

Note: For a twist on this classic dish, you can follow the recipe of your wife, Charlottes Southern Cornbread Dressing. This version uses turkey drippings, broth, eggs, evaporated milk, and cream of chicken soup, resulting in a more decadent and rich dressing.