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Southern Comfort: Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing!

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Golden, herb-infused cornbread dressing brings portable comfort to any holiday table. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory aromatics and fluffy cornbread texture, with celery and onions providing just the right savory foundation.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
  • 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • Turkey broth (as needed)
  • 4 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, then sauté for 6-8 minutes until they’re soft and translucent but not browned.
  2. Combine the crumbled cornbread and toasted bread in an extra-large mixing bowl, breaking up any large chunks with your fingers.
  3. Add the sautéed vegetables (including any butter from the pan) to the bread mixture, along with the salt, black pepper, dried sage, and poultry seasoning. Mix gently but thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
  4. Pour in half of the beaten eggs and about 1 cup of turkey broth, then stir. Continue adding broth gradually until the mixture is very moist but not soggy.
  5. Taste the mixture for seasoning adjustments before adding the remaining beaten eggs.
  6. Transfer the dressing to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly without pressing down too firmly.
  7. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy while the center remains moist.
  8. Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Prep cornbread in advance: Making cornbread 1-2 days before assembly allows it to dry slightly, preventing a soggy dressing.
  • Master the moisture: When adding turkey broth, go slowly.
  • Sauté aromatics thoroughly: Fully cooking onions and celery in butter until completely soft releases their sweetness.
  • Season twice: Taste your mixture after adding the first portion of eggs and broth.
  • Watch the edges: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.