Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
If you’re looking for a holiday side dish that feels like a warm hug from home, look no further than Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. This Southern classic combines tender cornbread, savory aromatics, and the perfect blend of herbs for a soul-satisfying taste that instantly transports you to family gatherings and festive tables. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or simply craving comfort food, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing brings nostalgia, flavor, and a big helping of love to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is in its simple, honest ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from lending moisture and richness to building layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- Cornbread (6 cups, crumbled): The heart of the dressing, homemade or store-bought cornbread sets the stage with a slightly sweet, crumbly texture.
- Day-old bread cubes (4 cups, white or wheat): Adds structure and soaks up all those amazing flavors, preventing the dressing from becoming too dense.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Gives a mild sweetness and aromatic depth, making every bite more delicious.
- Celery (2 cups, finely chopped): Offers a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds luxurious richness while helping the veggies soften and meld their flavors.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Soaks into the bread and cornbread, keeping the dressing moist and flavorful—swap for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian!
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Bind everything together and create that classic, set texture.
- Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): Delivers savory, herby notes reminiscent of holiday feasts.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): A Southern dressing essential, giving the dish its signature earthy aroma.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle but impactful, it brings out a savory undertone.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A pop of green freshness and a lovely finish if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped onion and celery. Cook them gently for about 8 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step creates the flavorful base that makes every bite of Mama’s Cornbread Dressing taste like home.
Step 2: Combine the Breads and Seasonings
Grab a big mixing bowl and add your crumbled cornbread and bread cubes. Pour in the cooked onion and celery mixture while it’s still warm—this helps the bread start soaking up flavor. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to make sure every crumb is seasoned perfectly.
Step 3: Moisten the Mixture
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go. The goal is to moisten the mixture without making it soggy. It should hold together but not feel heavy or wet. The right amount of broth ensures your dressing is tender and luscious after baking.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Parsley
Fold in the lightly beaten eggs, which will help bind the dressing as it bakes and give it that classic, set texture. If you’re using fresh parsley, mix it in now for a pop of color and freshness throughout Mama’s Cornbread Dressing.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The aroma will fill your kitchen and let you know the dressing is ready to make memories at your table!
How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning finish, sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top just before serving. A scattering of crisp fried onions or toasted pecans can add a festive crunch, while a drizzle of turkey gravy is always welcome for extra richness.
Side Dishes
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a star alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a juicy roast chicken. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce for the ultimate holiday spread everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, try baking the dressing in individual ramekins for personal servings, or use a biscuit cutter to make neat rounds for an elegant buffet. It also makes a fantastic base for a leftover turkey-and-dressing sandwich—just add a spoonful of cranberry sauce and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mama’s Cornbread Dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its moisture and flavor. Enjoy it reheated as a cozy side or even as a quick lunch with a little gravy on top.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or save some for later, you can freeze fully baked and cooled dressing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months, ready to bring the taste of home to your table any time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen dressing overnight in the fridge if needed. Warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This also gives the flavors extra time to meld, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to bake and serve.
What’s the best way to keep the dressing moist?
The key is to add just enough broth so the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy. Covering the dressing with foil while reheating also helps retain moisture if you’re serving leftovers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’ll have a completely vegetarian version of Mama’s Cornbread Dressing that everyone at the table can enjoy.
What if I don’t have day-old bread?
If you’re starting with fresh bread, simply cube it and toast it in a low oven for about 10 minutes. This dries it out enough to absorb all the flavorful liquids without turning mushy.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to get creative—cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped apples can add new dimensions to the classic. Just be sure to balance any additions with the right amount of seasoning and broth.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Mama’s Cornbread Dressing at home, this is your sign to bring a little Southern comfort to your next gathering. It’s a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious, and I know your friends and family will treasure every bite. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and watch it disappear!
Print
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern side dish featuring a savory blend of cornbread, bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and traditional poultry seasonings. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving or any family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (white or wheat)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes. This step enhances the dressing’s flavor base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, day-old bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery mixture, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the spices.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth gradually and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy, ensuring the dressing holds together well when baked.
- Incorporate Eggs and Parsley: Fold in the lightly beaten eggs and chopped fresh parsley if using. The eggs help bind the ingredients for a cohesive texture.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating the dressing is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the dressing cool slightly and serve warm, ideally paired with gravy or roasted turkey for a traditional Southern meal experience.
Notes
- You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking for convenience.
- For richer flavor, replace part of the chicken broth with turkey drippings to add depth and moisture.
- To make the recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
