Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the heart and soul of any classic Southern holiday spread—tender, golden, and utterly satisfying with every bite. This cherished family recipe combines soft, crumbled homemade cornbread and savory bread cubes with aromatic sautéed vegetables and just the right blend of herbs. Bathed in rich broth and finished with a buttery, golden top, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing captures that nostalgic, comforting flavor we all crave around the table. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just longing for a taste of home, this dish brings warmth, tradition, and a little Southern magic to every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a special role, building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature golden hue that makes this dressing stand out among side dishes.
- Crumbled Cornbread (6 cups): Homemade is best for that authentic, slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb.
- Day-Old Bread Cubes (4 cups): White or French bread gives the dressing body and soaks up the broth perfectly.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds sweet and savory flavor that melds into every bite.
- Celery (3 stalks, finely chopped): Brings freshness and a gentle crunch to the soft dressing.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth (4 cups): Infuses richness and helps achieve the ideal, just-moist texture.
- Large Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Bind all the ingredients together, setting the dressing as it bakes.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds luscious flavor and a beautiful golden finish to the top.
- Poultry Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The secret to that familiar holiday taste—herbaceous and aromatic.
- Dried Sage (1 teaspoon): Lends an earthy, slightly peppery note for extra depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the savory goodness without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For a gentle touch of warmth and classic Southern pizzazz.
How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease. This step ensures your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing won’t stick—and makes cleanup a breeze later!
Step 2: Combine Cornbread and Bread Cubes
In a large mixing bowl, tumble together your crumbled cornbread and day-old bread cubes. It’s this blend that gives the dressing its irresistible soft-yet-structured texture, making every forkful pure comfort.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Heat a skillet over medium and add a pat or two of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion and celery until they turn soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This quick cook softens their bite and infuses a subtle sweetness throughout the dish.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Scrape the sautéed vegetables right into the bread mixture. Add the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper, making sure every cube and crumb gets a little love from those warm spices. Pour in the melted butter and give everything a gentle toss.
Step 5: Add Broth and Eggs
Pour the broth in gradually, stirring as you go, until the mixture is nicely moistened but not soupy—it should still hold its shape. Then, stir in the lightly beaten eggs, ensuring they’re evenly distributed; they’ll help hold the dressing together as it bakes.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Now, spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sage across the top not only makes Mama’s Cornbread Dressing look extra inviting but also adds a pop of color and a flash of fresh, herbal aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair Mama’s Cornbread Dressing with classic Southern mains—think roast turkey, glazed ham, or crispy fried chicken. Complete the plate with sides like cranberry sauce, green beans, or sweet potato casserole for a feast everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try baking the dressing in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or scoop portions into muffin tins for charming little dressing “cups” that are perfect for a buffet or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the meal’s over, let Mama’s Cornbread Dressing cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days—plenty of time for those delicious late-night leftover runs!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dressing. Slice into portions, wrap well or use freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dressing with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). If it seems a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of extra broth to bring back that just-baked moistness.
FAQs
Can I make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes for the chill).
Can I use store-bought cornbread instead of homemade?
You can, but homemade really gives Mama’s Cornbread Dressing that unforgettable texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, try to find a less sweet variety of store-bought cornbread for a more authentic result.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap in vegetable broth for the chicken or turkey broth, and you’ll have a delicious, completely vegetarian side that even the meat-eaters will love.
Can I add meat to make it heartier?
Definitely. Stir in cooked crumbled sausage, diced turkey, or even chopped ham with the sautéed veggies for a meaty twist that transforms Mama’s Cornbread Dressing into a main event.
What if my dressing turns out too dry or too wet?
If it’s a bit too dry, just drizzle extra broth over the top before reheating. If it’s too wet, bake a little longer uncovered until the center sets and the top crisps up.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason generations keep coming back to Mama’s Cornbread Dressing: it’s simple, soul-soothing, and downright delicious. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, there’s no better time—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make this favorite part of your own family’s story!
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Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. This recipe combines the flavors of cornbread, bread cubes, and aromatic seasonings to create a delicious and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and hearty mains.
Ingredients
Cornbread:
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (white or French bread)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
Eggs and Seasonings:
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine crumbled cornbread and bread cubes in a large bowl. Sauté onion and celery until softened, then add to the bread mixture. Mix in seasonings and melted butter. Add enough broth to moisten the mixture. Stir in beaten eggs.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Notes
- Use homemade cornbread for best results.
- Optional: Add cooked sausage or diced turkey for a heartier version.
- For a moister dressing, increase broth before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
