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Delicious homemade Southern Cornbread Dressing from Scratch with herbs and spices.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing

A cozy, savory dressing made with homemade cornbread and seasoned vegetables, perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Base
  • 4 cups Homemade cornbread, cooled and crumbled Use a non-sweet, skillet-style cornbread.
  • 2 cups Day-old white bread, torn or cubed Let it sit out to dry or lightly toast.
For the Flavor Base
  • 1/2 cup Butter Melted for cooking the vegetables.
  • 1 cup Chopped onion Cook until soft.
  • 1 cup Chopped celery Cook alongside the onion.
For Moisture and Binding
  • 4 cups Chicken broth (or turkey broth) Warm before adding.
  • 2 large Eggs Beaten before adding.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Sage Dried or fresh, adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on broth's saltiness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bake the cornbread ahead of time and allow it to cool and dry out.
  2. Tear or cube the white bread and let it dry out for a few hours or toast it lightly until not squishy.
  3. In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the chopped onion and celery until soft.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, white bread pieces, the cooked veggies, and seasonings.
  2. Gradually add warm broth while stirring gently until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
  3. Stir in the beaten eggs and adjust moisture with more broth if necessary.
Baking
  1. Spread the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
  3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For best moisture, check the mixture before baking and adjust broth as needed. This dressing pairs well with gravies and your choice of holiday meals, and is forgiving with ingredient swaps.