Southern Corn Bread Dressing
Southern Corn Bread Dressing is a flavorful, moist stuffing with savory herbs, cornbread, and poultry seasoning, perfect for holiday tables and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cornbread, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix with turkey or chicken stock.
- Add the crumbled dry bread to the cornbread and combine.
- Sauté chopped onion and finely chopped celery in melted butter until tender.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread mixture.
- Stir in the pepper, salt, and sage or poultry seasoning.
- Pour the egg and stock mixture over the bread mixture and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use a mix of cornbread and dry bread that is slightly stale. This dressing can be customized with add-ins like cooked sausage or nuts for extra flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of sage or poultry seasoning. For a twist, consider adding some diced apples for a hint of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with Lemon Icebox Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Corn Bread Dressing is a perfect side for holiday meals, especially alongside roasted turkey or chicken. It pairs wonderfully with collard greens or green beans for a classic Southern feast. Consider serving it with a refreshing Lemon Cream Pie With Ease for dessert, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a covered dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Corn Bread Dressing contains roughly 1257 calories, with 22g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2126mg 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 this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread can save time and still yield delicious results. Just crumble it as you would homemade cornbread. If it's very moist, reduce the amount of stock slightly to avoid a soggy dressing.
How can I make this dressing vegetarian?
To make this dressing vegetarian, substitute the turkey or chicken stock with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables. This adjustment will still provide a rich and hearty dressing that everyone can enjoy.
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).