The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

 The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe: A Classic Holiday Favorite

Few dishes define a Southern holiday feast quite like cornbread dressing. This rich, savory side dish is a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and unbeatable flavor to the dinner table. Unlike stuffing, which is often made with white bread, this old-fashioned dressing is built on crumbled cornbread, creating a tender, slightly crumbly texture that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.

Made with buttery sautéed onions and celery, aromatic sage, and a moist, flavorful chicken stock base, this Southern-style cornbread dressing is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday spread. Whether you're pairing it with roast turkey, baked ham, or a comforting plate of smothered chicken, this recipe is one you'll return to year after year.

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Why You'll Love This Cornbread Dressing

✔️ Classic, Homestyle Flavor – Tastes just like Grandma’s, full of buttery, savory goodness.

✔️ Perfectly Moist & Fluffy – Never dry or crumbly, thanks to the right balance of eggs and stock.

✔️ Easy to Make Ahead – Prepares beautifully for stress-free holiday cooking.

✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Add sausage, oysters, or extra herbs for a unique twist.

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Ingredients & Why They Matter

Cornbread Base

3 cups crumbled cornbread – The foundation of the dish, providing the perfect texture and flavor. Use homemade cornbread for best results!

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 tablespoons butter – Adds rich, buttery flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.

1 small onion, diced – Provides depth and sweetness, balancing the savory elements.

½ cup chopped celery – Gives the dressing its signature texture and earthy taste.

Binding & Moisture

2 large eggs, beaten – Essential for binding everything together and ensuring a fluffy texture.

2 cups chicken stock – Infuses the dressing with rich, savory moisture. Use homemade or low-sodium stock for the best flavor.

Seasonings

1 tablespoon dried sage (or more to taste) – The key seasoning that gives cornbread dressing its classic Southern taste.

Salt & ground black pepper – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

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Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Crumble the Cornbread

Place 3 cups of crumbled cornbread into a large mixing bowl. If using fresh cornbread, let it sit uncovered for a few hours to dry slightly.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and chopped celery, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Combine Ingredients

Pour the sautéed onion and celery into the bowl of crumbled cornbread. Add the chicken stock, beaten eggs, sage, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is well combined.

5. Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top is set.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Let the cornbread dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm alongside your favorite holiday meats and sides!

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Pro Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

✅ Use Day-Old Cornbread – Slightly dried-out cornbread absorbs flavors better, preventing sogginess.

✅ Adjust the Moisture – Prefer a more moist dressing? Add an extra ½ cup of chicken stock before baking.

✅ Enhance the Flavor – Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or oysters for a delicious variation.

✅ Make It Ahead – Prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving!

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Serving Suggestions

This Southern cornbread dressing pairs beautifully with classic holiday dishes:

Main Dishes: Roast turkey, baked ham, fried chicken

Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, collard greens, cranberry sauce

Sauces & Gravies: Turkey gravy, giblet gravy, brown gravy

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Why This Recipe Will Be a New Family Favorite

This homemade cornbread dressing is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, herby flavors and a perfectly moist texture. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this time-tested recipe brings a taste of home to every bite. Simple, flavorful, and absolutely delicious—once you try it, you’ll never go back to boxed 

stuffing again!

Make it this holiday season, and watch as it becomes a cherished family tradition. Enjoy!