Grandma'S Dressing
Grandma's Dressing is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender chicken, savory cornbread, and flavorful vegetables. Its rich, homestyle taste makes it perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a blend of crispy edges and moist interior with bold seasoning and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups self-rising cornmeal ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken (boiled and deboned) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons black pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups reserved chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 biscuits ⓘ
- 2 cups buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 stick margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix self-rising cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs to prepare the corn bread batter.
- Bake the corn bread at 350°F until done, then let it cool slightly and crumble into a bowl.
- Crumble the biscuits into a bowl and add milk; let stand.
- Simmer chopped celery, chopped onion, margarine, and 1 cup water until tender.
- Combine the crumbled corn bread, biscuit mixture, cooked vegetables, deboned cooked chicken, reserved chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Bake the assembled mixture at 350°F until light brown on the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or herbs like thyme or sage to the vegetable mixture. If self-rising cornmeal isn't available, you can substitute with regular cornmeal and add baking powder and salt as needed. To enhance the dish, try using leftover chicken from your favorite chicken recipes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as glazed chicken breasts or a hearty turkey. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider offering a side of gravy or cranberry sauce. It also works well as a stuffing for chicken or turkey.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Dressing contains roughly 731 calories, with 13g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1722mg per serving (75% 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 dressing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time if it's still cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and consistency needed for the dressing.
Can I freeze the dressing?
Yes, the dressing can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
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).