Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing
Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing offers a hearty, comforting side with savory cornmeal and bread flavors, enhanced by tender celery and onion. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners, it combines crispy baked topping with a moist, flavorful center, appealing to those who love classic Southern-style comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornmeal, baking powder, soda, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixer bowl.
- Add 2 beaten eggs, buttermilk, and melted bacon drippings; mix well. Pour into a hot, greased 10-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 35 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool the corn bread.
- Crumble the corn bread into a large bowl.
- Saute chopped celery and onion in melted butter in a skillet until tender.
- Add the sauteed celery and onion to the crumbled corn bread.
- Add crumbled bread slices, chicken broth, milk, 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper; mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 450°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the buttermilk with sour cream or yogurt. You can also add cooked sausage or diced ham for added protein. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary works well. Make sure to cool the cornbread completely before crumbling to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing pairs beautifully with Lbj Barbecued Chicken for a hearty meal. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a comforting touch, drizzle with gravy or serve with cranberry sauce for a festive touch during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing contains roughly 280 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before using it in the recipe.
Is this dressing suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dressing for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding some broth if it seems dry.
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).