Corn Bread Dressing(10 Servings)
Corn bread dressing combines moist, flavorful crumbled cornbread with savory herbs and vegetables, baked to a golden perfection. Ideal for holiday meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups self-rising cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pinch of baking soda ⓘ
- 3 cups buttermilk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 1 3/4 cups herb seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Combine self-rising cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk and beaten eggs; mix well.
- Stir in chopped celery and onions.
- Heat bacon drippings in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the preheating oven.
- Add 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings to the batter and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the very hot skillet.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Turn cornbread out onto a plate to cool.
- Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
- Add herb-seasoned stuffing mix and sage; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, place the mushroom soup and gradually stir in chicken broth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Pour the hot soup mixture over the crumb mixture and stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more savory flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or diced ham to the dressing. You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk if needed, but the tanginess of buttermilk enhances the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the batter. Make sure to use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Corn Bread Dressing as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats, especially for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. It pairs beautifully with 'Catfish Fried' Chicken or can be enjoyed with a side of gravy. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Corn Bread Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Bread Dressing(10 Servings) contains roughly 321 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1580mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornbread and the mixture a day in advance. Just combine the crumbled cornbread with the stuffing mix and broth mixture, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving to ensure it's warm and flavorful.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. This will keep the dish creamy while altering the taste slightly.
Is there a way to make this dressing vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs or sautéed mushrooms.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).