Tops' Cornbread Dressing
A savory cornbread dressing with seasoned ground meats, onions, celery, and herbs, perfect for holiday meals or comforting family dinners with rich flavors and a moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground pork in a skillet for approximately 10 minutes.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the pork and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and celery to the meat mixture and sauté for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, then heat thoroughly.
- Check and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and fold in the crumbled cornbread.
- Add chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or sage to the meat mixture. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute ground turkey for the pork and beef. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread dressing is perfect as a side dish for roasted meats and pairs beautifully with Tennessee Chicken Kiev or Mother'S Favorite Chicken Dumplings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes a great filling for stuffed peppers or as a base for a savory casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tops' Cornbread Dressing contains roughly 288 calories, with 21g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% 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 point of folding in the cornbread, then refrigerate it. The next day, fold in the cornbread and heat it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of cornbread should I use?
You can use any leftover cornbread, whether homemade or store-bought. If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, it will create a nice contrast with the savory elements. For a more traditional taste, use a classic Southern cornbread recipe, which is less sweet and crumbly.
Can I freeze this cornbread dressing?
Yes, you can freeze the dressing for up to three months. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
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).