Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing – A Southern Family Favorite

Nothing says “home” quite like Mama’s Cornbread Dressing.
This old-fashioned recipe has been passed down for generations — made with crumbly homemade cornbread, sautéed vegetables, flavorful broth, and the perfect balance of herbs.

It’s moist, savory, and comforting — the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Whether served with roast turkey, baked chicken, or ham, it’s the ultimate Southern side dish.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

(You can use day-old cornbread or make it fresh using this quick recipe.)

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• You’ll need about 6 cups of crumbled cornbread once baked.

 For the Dressing:

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (day-old is best)
• 4 cups day-old white bread, cubed or torn
• 1 ½ cups chopped celery
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 ½ to 3 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 2 tsp fresh)
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• (Optional) ½ teaspoon thyme for extra flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cornbread (if not already prepared)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely, then crumble into a large bowl.
8. You can make the cornbread a day ahead — slightly stale cornbread absorbs the broth better.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and celery.
3. Sauté until soft and translucent (about 8–10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Crumbled cornbread
   • Cubed white bread
   • Cooked onions and celery
   • Sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using)
2. Add 2 ½ cups of broth and beaten eggs.
3. Gently stir until the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy.
4. The texture should be soft — like thick oatmeal.
5. If needed, add more broth ¼ cup at a time.

Step 4: Bake the Dressing

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the dressing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
4. For a softer dressing, cover loosely with foil while baking. For a crispier top, leave uncovered.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing warm with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Turkey gravy or giblet gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Mashed potatoes and green beans

It’s also delicious reheated the next day — the flavors get even better overnight!

Pro Tips

• Use day-old cornbread and bread: Fresh bread makes the dressing too mushy.
• Taste before baking: Adjust seasoning and salt after adding broth.
• Want a richer flavor? Replace some of the broth with turkey drippings or melted butter.
• Add-ins: Try chopped boiled eggs, cooked sausage, or a handful of fresh herbs for your own twist.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 15g

Final Thoughts

This Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate Southern comfort food — moist, flavorful, and steeped in family tradition.
It’s more than just a side dish — it’s a centerpiece of the holiday table, a symbol of love, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes carry the most heart.

Serve it warm, enjoy it with loved ones, and let it bring that cozy, homemade taste of the South to your table.