Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe Southern-Style

If you’re searching for the perfect Cornbread Dressing to grace your holiday table, look no further. This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is warm, comforting, and packed with that rich, savory flavor only homemade dressing can deliver. Unlike stuffing, which is traditionally cooked inside a bird, this classic dish is baked to golden perfection in a casserole dish, giving it a crispy top and tender center.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply want to indulge in some down-home Southern comfort food, this easy cornbread dressing recipe is the one you’ll reach for again and again. Made with simple ingredients and full of bold flavor, it’s a tried-and-true family favorite that never disappoints.

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Why This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe Belongs on Every Holiday Table

There’s something deeply nostalgic about cornbread dressing. For many, it’s the soul of a Southern holiday spread. Unlike other side dishes, dressing feels special—full of tradition, stories, and that unmistakable golden crust that holds all the magic together.

What makes this recipe stand out?

• It’s flavorful yet simple, using pantry staples like broth, butter, and herbs.
• It’s bake-ahead friendly, making it perfect for meal prep during busy holiday seasons.
• The texture is perfect—moist on the inside with crispy, golden edges.
• It’s highly customizable for add-ins like celery, sausage, or hard-boiled eggs.

And when served with hearty mains like baked chicken legs or pumpkin chicken chili, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cornbread Dressing

This recipe serves 8 and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, melted

For the Dressing:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3–4 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt to taste

Looking for other comfort food sides? Try this cheesy root vegetable gratin or these scalloped potatoes.

How To Make Cornbread Dressing (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Bake the Cornbread
Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix wet into dry until combined. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes. Let it cool completely, then crumble.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until soft—about 7–10 minutes. Add garlic, sage, thyme, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, and broth. Let it soak briefly. Stir in the beaten eggs. Mix gently until fully incorporated. Add salt as needed.

Step 4: Bake
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden on top and set in the middle.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, ideally alongside garlic herb roasted vegetables or honey glazed carrots and green beans.

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What’s the Difference Between Cornbread Dressing and Stuffing?

Though often used interchangeably, dressing and stuffing are technically different. Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside poultry, absorbing flavors from the meat. Dressing, on the other hand, is baked separately, typically in a casserole dish.

In the South, what the rest of the country calls stuffing is almost always called dressing—especially when it’s made with cornbread. This Cornbread Dressing Recipe Southern-style captures that regional flavor and texture perfectly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and spatula
• Large skillet
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

For extra ease, you can prepare the cornbread a day or two in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Use day-old cornbread: Freshly baked cornbread can be too moist. Letting it sit allows it to dry out slightly, which helps absorb the broth.
• Sauté the veggies low and slow: You want them soft and flavorful, not browned or crispy.
• Taste before baking: Once everything is mixed (except eggs), taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Add protein: Crumbled cooked sausage or shredded chicken adds richness and makes it a meal.
• Make it your own: Add chopped pecans, diced apples, or even dried cranberries for a festive twist.

For another cozy meal idea, you might enjoy our vegetarian pasta primavera or vegetable casserole.

Easy Cornbread Dressing Recipe Variations You Can Try

• Sausage Cornbread Dressing: Add ½ pound of cooked ground sausage to the mix.
• Giblet Dressing: Classic Southern touch—use chopped cooked giblets for that nostalgic flavor.
• Vegetarian Dressing: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip meat add-ins.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a spoonful of sweet chili sauce.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack before baking.

Pair with pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a sweet and savory holiday menu.

What to Serve with Cornbread Dressing

This Southern classic pairs beautifully with a range of proteins and veggie sides:

• Baked Chicken Legs
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
• Creamy Mushroom Soup
• Pumpkin Twists as a festive side

How to Make Cornbread Dressing Ahead of Time

Day Before:
Prepare and bake your cornbread. Let it cool, then cover tightly and store at room temperature. Chop vegetables and refrigerate them in an airtight container.

Morning Of:
Sauté the veggies and mix your dressing. Refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring to room temperature before baking, or add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

Storing and Reheating Cornbread Dressing

Refrigerator:
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat individual servings on medium power for 1–2 minutes.

Leftovers can also be repurposed into a savory breakfast hash or used as a stuffing for stuffed acorn squash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cornbread Dressing

• Using overly moist cornbread: It should be slightly dry to absorb the liquid properly.
• Overbaking: This can dry out your dressing. Bake until the top is golden and the center is just set.
• Forgetting to taste: Always taste the mixture before adding eggs and baking. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
• Not enough liquid: Dressing should be moist but not soggy. Add broth gradually.
• Skipping the rest: Let it cool slightly before serving to firm up the structure.

For another creative Southern twist, check out our pumpkin chicken chili.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cornbread Dressing

Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes, but homemade gives better texture. If using store-bought, let it dry out overnight.

Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is it the same as stuffing?
Not quite. Stuffing is cooked inside poultry. Dressing is baked separately, usually in a casserole dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cornmeal and flour in your cornbread recipe.

What broth is best?
Low-sodium chicken broth works best. Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts: Why This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe Is a Must-Make

Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, one thing’s for sure—Cornbread Dressing is the soul of any Southern celebration. Moist on the inside, crisp on the top, and rich with comforting flavors, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tradition and taste.

It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple on your holiday menu. Once you master this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe, it’ll be one of those dishes your family asks for year after year.

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