Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

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🍞 Mama’s Cornbread Dressing – A Southern Classic for Every Occasion

There’s something undeniably comforting about Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. Whether served alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or as a family staple at dinner, this Southern classic brings the flavors of home and tradition to your table. With the perfect balance of crumbled cornbread, savory vegetables, and a touch of butter and chicken broth, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household!

🌟 Why You’ll Love Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, flavorful dressing is made with a base of cornbread, combined with chopped onions, celery, and seasoned with just the right amount of butter and broth. It’s soft, moist, and baked to perfection, with a crisp golden top that makes every bite even more irresistible.

Perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, or any time you want a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this dressing is sure to be a hit. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and how to make it!

🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)

  • 2 cups chopped onions

  • 2 cups chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)

  • 2–3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moistness)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional, but adds great flavor!)

  • 2 eggs (for binding)

Note: For the cornbread, you can either bake it from scratch or use store-bought cornbread. Both will work great in this recipe!

🔪 How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

1. Prepare the Cornbread

Start by preparing your cornbread. If you’re using store-bought cornbread, simply bake it according to package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, bake your favorite cornbread recipe and let it cool completely before crumbling it into small pieces.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dressing.

3. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed onions and celery, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

4. Add the Chicken Broth and Eggs

Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and crack in the two eggs. Stir the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined. If you want your dressing to be more moist, add an additional cup of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Bake the Dressing

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

6. Let It Rest

After baking, let your cornbread dressing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

🍴 Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing

  • Moisture level: The amount of chicken broth you use will determine the moisture of your dressing. If you prefer a drier dressing with a crispy top, use less broth. For a moister dressing, add more broth.

  • Add-ins: You can customize this recipe by adding cooked sausage, bacon, or even fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra boost of flavor.

  • Make ahead: This dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. If you’re prepping ahead, add a bit of extra chicken broth before baking to ensure it’s nice and moist.

  • Crumb texture: If you prefer a chunkier dressing, don’t crumble the cornbread too finely. For a smoother texture, make sure the cornbread is well crumbled and evenly combined with the broth.

🍽️ How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

This dressing is an excellent accompaniment to:

  • Roast turkey or chicken: The savory flavors pair perfectly with the richness of the meat.

  • Gravy: Serve it with some homemade turkey gravy or even brown gravy for extra flavor.

  • Collard greens: A classic Southern side dish to round out your meal.

  • Mashed potatoes: Because you can never have enough comfort food!

🧑‍🍳 Customize Your Cornbread Dressing

While this traditional cornbread dressing is already packed with flavor, here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

  • Herb infusion: Add a tablespoon of fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the savory taste.

  • Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

  • Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.

🥄 Serving Suggestions

If you’re planning a Southern-inspired feast, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing pairs wonderfully with:

  • Smoked turkey legs

  • Fried chicken

  • Collard greens or green beans

  • Cranberry sauce or sweet potato casserole

🧑‍🍳 Mama’s Cornbread Dressing FAQ

Can I use a different type of bread instead of cornbread?

While cornbread is traditional for Southern dressing, you can use crusty white bread or biscuits if you prefer. Just make sure it’s dry enough to absorb the broth.

Can I make cornbread dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day or two before. Just assemble the dish, refrigerate it, and then bake it the day you’re ready to serve. You may need to add a little extra broth before baking.

Can I freeze cornbread dressing?

Yes, cornbread dressing freezes well! Just bake it and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

🍴 Final Thoughts

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a beloved Southern dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. Whether it’s part of a Thanksgiving spread or your regular family dinner, this dressing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a comforting dish that’s sure to bring everyone to the table!

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