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Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe: A Deliciously Comforting Dish

vivian_300
Published : November 11, 2025
Updated : November 11, 2025

“Bring home the comforting flavors of the South with this Southern Cornbread Dressing!”

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a dish that captures the essence of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. With its fluffy cornbread mixed with aromatic vegetables and herbs, it’s the ideal side for holiday dinners or any cozy get-together. I remember the first time I had this dressing at my grandmother’s house, its savory flavor and delightful texture had me coming back for seconds! This recipe is so simple yet packed with flavors, making it easy for anyone to recreate that cherished tradition in their kitchen.

Delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing served in a bowl

Why Should You Try Making Southern Cornbread Dressing Now?

Southern Cornbread Dressing is worth trying right now because it embodies the comforts of home-cooked meals; it’s easy, family-friendly, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

This time of year, as the leaves change color and we prepare for cozy nights indoors, Southern Cornbread Dressing is a fantastic way to bring warmth to your table. It features hearty ingredients that promise to satisfy your hunger while allowing the aromatic blend of herbs and veggies to fill your kitchen with inviting scents. Aside from comfort, this dressing is a healthy alternative to heavier sides, pairing wonderfully with various main dishes like roasted chicken or turkey. Discover how easy it is to make with this classic green bean casserole for an unforgettable meal experience.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

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A comforting Southern dish made with fluffy cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for holiday dinners.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package Cornbread Mix
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 cup Celery, chopped
  • ½ cup Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Sage
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 Eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions and let it cool completely, then crumble it into a large bowl.
  3. In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion and celery until soft and translucent.
  4. Combine the sautéed vegetables with the crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the beaten eggs.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornbread mix. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or garlic for extra flavor.

  • Author: Vivian Brooks
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

What Makes This Southern Cornbread Dressing Stand Out?

This Southern Cornbread Dressing is unique because it combines homemade crumbled cornbread with sautéed vegetables, creating a well-balanced blend of flavors and textures.

Flavor Balance

The marriage of sweet cornbread with savory sautéed onion and celery provides a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Vegetable Enrichment

Using fresh, sautéed vegetables really elevates this dish, providing not only flavor but also texture that makes each bite interesting and satisfying.

Herb Infusion

The addition of sage and thyme brings an herbal note that links all the ingredients beautifully, creating a wonderfully fragrant dressing you won’t forget. for similar comforting recipes, discover this caramelized cinnamon apples recipe.

What Ingredients Do You Need to Prepare Southern Cornbread Dressing?

The ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing are simple and can be found in most kitchens or local stores, making it a hassle-free dish to prepare.

IngredientsQuantity
Cornbread Mix1 package
Chicken Broth2 cups
Onion1, chopped
Celery1 cup, chopped
Butter½ cup
Sage1 tablespoon
Thyme1 teaspoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Pepper½ teaspoon
Eggs2, beaten

Now, let’s take a closer look at some key ingredients:

The cornbread mix forms the base of the dressing. If you want a healthier twist, opting for a gluten-free cornbread mix can be an excellent choice without losing any flavor. The use of chicken broth instead of water adds immense flavor and richness to the dressing. Lastly, the seasoning blend of sage and thyme not only enhances the flavor but also provides health benefits associated with digestion. You can discover more about enhancing your meals with herbs over at this honey-glazed acorn squash recipe.

How Do You Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Step-by-Step?

Making Southern Cornbread Dressing is straightforward and requires just a few easy steps, from preparing the cornbread to baking the dressing.

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dressing.

Step 2

Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions, then let it cool completely before tearing or crumbling it into bite-sized pieces in a large bowl.

Step 3

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and celery until soft and translucent.

Step 4

Combine the sautéed vegetables with the crumbled cornbread and add in the chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the beaten eggs.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.

Prep TimeCook TimeStorage Time
10 minutes30-40 minutes3-5 days

As you mix the ingredients, the scent of sage will fill your kitchen, creating anticipation. Be sure not to overmix; you want fluffy crumbs in your dressing to maintain that perfect texture. For best results, use a large enough baking dish to allow the dressing to brown evenly. While you’re at it, check out this hearty vegetarian salad recipe that complements this dish beautifully!

Baking golden brown Southern Cornbread Dressing with herbs on top

What Are Some Variations and Serving Ideas for Southern Cornbread Dressing?

You can customize Southern Cornbread Dressing with various diet swaps, flavor variations, and serving ideas to suit any palate.

Diet Swap

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap in a gluten-free cornbread mix. This ensures everyone at your gathering can enjoy a delightful serving of the dressing!

Flavor Variation

Add some sautéed mushrooms or garlic to the vegetable mix for an extra depth of flavor. You could even include a dash of hot sauce to spice it up if you prefer a kick!

Serving Idea

This Southern Cornbread Dressing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it an essential part of holiday meals. Place it next to your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete comforting spread.

Suggested PairingsTips
Roasted ChickenMake sure to roast your chicken with herbs for enhanced flavor.
Green BeansBlanch the green beans for a vibrant color and crisp texture.
Mashed PotatoesAdd cream to the potatoes for a rich, velvety dish.

Final Thoughts on Southern Cornbread Dressing

It’s hard not to fall in love with Southern Cornbread Dressing, its robust flavor and heartwarming essence resonate deeply during meal times. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also invites variation and creativity that you’re sure to enjoy. Once you master this recipe, you’ll be tempted to make it not just for special occasions but as a regular feature on your dinner table. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly in an airtight container, we all know that this dressing stays delicious for days after! If you’re looking for more delightful ideas to pin or share, I invite you to check out my Pinterest page.

FAQ

Can I make Southern Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving for a quick main dish.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth without losing any flavor.

Can I add meat to this dressing?

Definitely! For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey to the mixture before baking.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dressing gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free cornbread mix successfully without losing flavor!

About the author

This recipe was crafted by Brooks Vivian, who develops quick and creative vegetarian meals. His focus is on simple, flavorful dishes that fit easily into a busy lifestyle.

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