Old Fashioned Cornbread Dressing
Old Fashioned Cornbread Dressing offers a comforting, flavorful side with crispy cornbread crumbles, savory onion and celery, and rich buttermilk. Its hearty taste complements holiday feasts and family dinners, appealing to those who enjoy classic Southern comfort foods and homemade, savory stuffing options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 6 slices day-old bread ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2 cups buttermilk ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 to 2 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add beaten eggs, buttermilk, and melted bacon drippings. Mix well.
- Place a well-greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven at 450°F for 4 to 5 minutes or until hot.
- Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
- Bake at 450°F for 35 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool the cornbread and crumble it into a large bowl.
- Add chopped onion and celery to the crumbled cornbread.
- Stir in additional chicken broth as needed to achieve desired moistness.
- Mix in butter or margarine until well incorporated.
- Use as a stuffing or side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the buttermilk with sour cream or yogurt. If you're out of bacon drippings, melted butter or olive oil works well. To enhance the dish, you can add cooked sausage or herbs like sage or thyme. Be sure to taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning and moisture as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. Serve it alongside classic sides like green bean casserole or mashed potatoes. Drizzle with gravy for added moisture and flavor, or enjoy it as a standalone dish. For a festive touch, consider serving it during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Cornbread Dressing contains roughly 284 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2114mg per serving (92% 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 the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornbread and crumble it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container. On the day you plan to serve it, mix in the other ingredients and bake as directed. This will save time and enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or stock can be used as a substitute for a vegetarian option. You can also use water, but adding a pinch of salt and herbs will help enhance the flavor of the dressing.
Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
Yes, you can freeze cornbread dressing. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).