Dinner

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Name: Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 6 cups Cornbread, homemade or store-bought; 6 cups Italian Bread, cubed; 1 large onion, peeled and diced; 4 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2-3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade; non-stick cooking spray; ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground sage; 1 teaspoon ground thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten

BySimon Carel December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

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Introduction

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a classic comfort dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. With a blend of savory herbs, tender vegetables, and a mix of cornbread and Italian bread, it offers rich flavor and a wonderful texture.

A close-up view of a single-layered dish of stuffing in a white baking dish, showing a mix of golden brown bread pieces, small green herbs, and bits of celery throughout. The stuffing has a coarse texture with some crispy, browned edges and a soft, crumbly interior. The colors mainly include light brown, dark golden, and green, spread evenly on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups cornbread, homemade or store-bought
6 cups Italian bread, cubed
1 stick unsalted butter
1 large onion, peeled and diced
4 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2–3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the cornbread and Italian bread into small cubes. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet overnight to dry, or dry them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9″x13″ casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 3: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Place the dried cornbread and Italian bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables with butter, 2 cups of chicken stock, chopped parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed. If the mixture feels too dry, add more chicken stock gradually.
Step 5: Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly, combining all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use homemade cornbread and chicken stock if possible.
Add cooked sausage or chopped pecans for a heartier variation.
Make sure your bread cubes are fully dried to prevent a soggy dressing.

Storage

Store leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain its texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a crumbly dish with a mixture of small and medium-sized chunky pieces. The layers are uneven and rough, with a golden-brown color from baked bread or stuffing mixed with green bits of chopped vegetables, likely celery or herbs. The texture looks soft with some crunchy chunks throughout, and the colors range from warm yellows and browns to fresh greens. The dish fills the whole frame with a white marbled surface barely visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can save time on the day of your meal.

Can I freeze leftover cornbread dressing?

Cornbread dressing freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Simon Carel