Description

A classic Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe featuring a savory blend of cornbread and Italian bread cubes combined with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a flavorful array of seasonings. This dish is baked to golden perfection, making it a deliciously moist and comforting side perfect for holiday meals and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

6 cups Cornbread, homemade or store-bought
6 cups Italian Bread, cubed

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 large onion, peeled and diced
4 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Liquids & Fats

1 stick unsalted butter
2–3 cups fat-free chicken stock or homemade
non-stick cooking spray

Herbs & Spices

¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Other

2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

Dry the Bread Cubes: Slice cornbread and Italian bread into small cubes. Spread them on baking sheets and allow to dry overnight, or speed up the process by placing the trays in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until dry.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9″x13″ casserole dish with non-stick olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried cornbread and Italian bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and butter mixture. Add 2 cups of chicken stock, chopped fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, ground sage, ground thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add more chicken stock to achieve a moist consistency.
Add Eggs: Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly to bind all ingredients together evenly.
Bake the Dressing: Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered to brown the top.
Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a comforting Southern side dish.

Notes

Note 1: Drying the bread cubes overnight or in the oven is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming soggy.
Note 2: Using a combination of cornbread and Italian bread gives a balanced texture and flavor to the dressing.
The chicken stock can be adjusted to control the moisture level in the dressing.
You can prepare this dish a day ahead and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight drying if applicable)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern Cornbread Dressing, Thanksgiving Side Dish, Holiday Dressing, Savory Cornbread Dressing, Baked Dressing