Get ready to experience the ultimate Southern comfort food that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Southern Corn Bread Dressing isn't just a side dish - it's a culinary journey that captures generations of family tradition in every single bite. Imagine a perfectly golden, herb-infused dressing that's crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and packed with rich, homemade flavor that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or craving a taste of authentic Southern cooking, this recipe is about to become your new favorite kitchen staple.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 batch cornbread, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Crumble the prepared cornbread into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pieces are of uniform, medium-sized consistency.
- Add the sautéed onions and celery to the crumbled cornbread. Sprinkle sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Gradually pour chicken broth over the cornbread mixture, stirring gently. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Add broth slowly and mix until you reach the desired consistency.
- Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to set and makes it easier to portion.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly dried cornbread for the best texture - fresh cornbread can make the dressing too mushy.
- Don't overwork the mixture when combining ingredients; gently fold to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
- The key to amazing dressing is moisture control - add chicken broth gradually and stop when the mixture feels moist but not wet.
- For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled breakfast sausage or diced cooked chicken to the dressing.
- If you prefer a more herbal profile, experiment with fresh herbs instead of dried sage and thyme.
- Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, consider broiling the dressing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
