Wilma'S Cornbread Dressing
Wilma's Cornbread Dressing is a comforting Southern classic featuring moist, flavorful cornbread infused with a hint of salt and richness from buttermilk. Perfect as a savory side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings, it offers a crispy crust with a tender, hearty interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet and grease it well.
- Cook the cornbread in the skillet at 450°F for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising white cornmeal, 1 egg, and a heap of salt.
- Add buttermilk gradually until the mixture is soupy and well combined.
- Crumble the cooked cornbread into the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or leave in the skillet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade buttermilk by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. If you're out of self-rising cornmeal, you can make your own by adding baking powder and salt to regular cornmeal. To enhance the dressing, try adding sautéed onions or celery for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Wilma's Cornbread Dressing is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. Serve it alongside collard greens or cranberry sauce for a classic Southern meal. For an extra touch, drizzle some gravy over the top before serving, and consider complementing it with a slice of Munkie'S Pecan Pie for dessert.
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 baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilma'S Cornbread Dressing contains roughly 65 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 cornbread and dressing mixture a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What if I don't have self-rising cornmeal?
If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, you can substitute it with regular cornmeal. Just add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of cornmeal used to achieve that self-rising effect.
Can I add other ingredients to the dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. You can also incorporate spices like sage or thyme to elevate the taste. Just be sure to adjust the buttermilk accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
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).