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Home » Holiday » Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing

November 3, 2019 by Melissa 68 Comments

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Mouthwatering Southern Cornbread Dressing topped with a drizzle of gravy is the perfect holiday side #dressing #cornbreaddressing #stuffing #southerndressing #thanksgiving #holidaysides #holidaybaking Thanksgiving #christmas #southernfood #cornbread #southernrecipesMouthwatering Southern Cornbread Dressing topped with a drizzle of gravy is the perfect holiday side #dressing #cornbreaddressing #stuffing #southerndressing #thanksgiving #holidaysides #holidaybaking Thanksgiving #christmas #southernfood #cornbread #southernrecipesMouthwatering Southern Cornbread Dressing topped with a drizzle of gravy is the perfect holiday side #dressing #cornbreaddressing #stuffing #southerndressing #thanksgiving #holidaysides #holidaybaking Thanksgiving #christmas #southernfood #cornbread #southernrecipes

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without Southern Cornbread Dressing topped with a generous drizzle of turkey gravy. This dressing recipe includes an unexpected ingredient that keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful as it bakes. Serve it at the holidays, or any day when there’s comfort food on the menu.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing

When it comes to planning our Thanksgiving feast, it’s difficult to say turkey without immediately following it with dressing. That is, if you’re in the South. Otherwise, if you live elsewhere in the country, you probably call it stuffing. Regardless of what it’s called, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same for us, without Southern cornbread dressing on the menu.

step-by-step images onion celery cornbread in a bowl

Using Two Types of Bread Balances the Flavor

This cornbread dressing recipe includes cubed white bread along with the cornbread for added texture and to balance the flavors. In spite of using bread along with the cornbread, rest assured the end result is a flavor that’s unmistakably dominated by the cornbread. I know what you’re thinking, cream of chicken soup? I know, when my Mom told me that was her secret ingredient for her no-fail dressing I couldn’t believe it. I love her dressing and had absolutely no idea that was why the texture was so creamy, soft and flavorful on the inside. While baking, it becomes crispy and golden on top, and using a mix of breads along with the soup, keeps this dressing moist in the middle.

 

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Tips for Success

  • I recommend you use a savory cornbread for this dressing. An option you may want to checkout here in the MSSK recipe index is the recipe for Skillet Honey Cornbread.. For this purpose, leave out the honey and Increase the amount of buttermilk called for to 1 1/3 cup. Another option for making your own is this recipe for Easy Southern Cornbread from Martha White.
  • You may use regular cream of chicken soup in this dish if you’re unable to find the herb seasoned version with no other adjustments needed.
  • Cube the cornbread and bread and leave on the counter to dry out for a few hours or overnight. Dry bread makes the best dressing and bread puddings.
  • This dressing can be fully assembled, covered and chilled overnight for a time saver. Bring to room temperature before baking.

The only extra ingredient needed for serving is a generous drizzle of gravy, and Thanksgiving dinner is ready to be served. While you’re at it, checkout another one of my holiday recipes for dressing that includes sausage, apples, and fresh sage.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

  • 12 x 8 inch baking dish
  • Gravy Boat/Sauce Server with Stand
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Food Chopper

 


 

Southern Cornbread Dressing
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5 from 12 votes

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cornbread-dressing-recipes, southern-cornbread-dressing, stuffing, thanksgiving-dressing
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed savory cornbread
  • 6 cups cubed French or Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 large sweet onion diced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 1 10 3/4 oz can cream of chicken with herbs soup or cream of chicken
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh sage may adjust to taste
  • 2 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 32 oz low sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 12 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium high heat cook together butter, diced onion and celery. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to your taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and brown.
  • Place the cubed cornbread and Italian bread into a large mixing bowl. To the bowl add sauteed onion and celery, soup, eggs, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
  • Gradually add stock stirring until all of the chicken stock is used and ingredients are fully moistened.
  • Pour evenly into the prepared baking dish.. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden and baked through.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

This dressing may be prepared in advance and chilled overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking. 
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

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Filed Under: Holiday, Southern Comfort Food, Sumptuous Sides Tagged With: cornbread, cornbread dressing, easy dressing recipes, Southern cornbread, Southern dressing, southern dressing recipes, stuffing, Thanksgiving, thanksgiving side dishes

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Comments

  1. Adam says

    November 27, 2020 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    First time making dressing and it turned out great.

    Reply
  2. Lorie says

    November 26, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    I used this recipe today and it was fabulous. I used cornbread mix and it was a little bit sweet. I plan on using white. cornbread next time. Highly recommended.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 26, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  3. Bea says

    November 26, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    I am 66 years old and I just cooked my first turkey and dressing. This dressing was so moist and so delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe again. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 26, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  4. Shelly says

    November 26, 2020 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    This was really good and very easy…thank you for sharing and hope you are staying safe 🙂

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 26, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks so much and the same to you and yours!

      Reply
  5. Betty Gilliland says

    November 25, 2020 at 11:30 am

    5 stars
    This is the recipe that I grew up with but I had lost it. I remembered all but two things – the poultry seasoning and how long to cook it. So thanks for the info.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 25, 2020 at 11:40 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  6. Deneice says

    November 24, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    I love boiled eggs in dressing, would this work for the recipe?
    Wanted to make for this Thanksgiving 🦃

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 24, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      Absolutely! You can add cooked giblets or sausage also, whatever you like.

      Reply
  7. Alice says

    November 23, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    Wondering if I can use Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoning Stuffing in place of the Italian bread? I can’t find cream of chicken soup with herbs. Thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 23, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      Yes, you could adapt, sure. Regular cream of chicken will do fine, no worries.

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    November 22, 2020 at 10:18 am

    Hello, this recipe sounds delicious! I have been trying to find the perfect dressing recipe mix with bread and cornbread 😃 Just wanted to confirm that I can prepare this dressing the night before, but bake it Thanksgiving day?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 22, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Christina, you certainly can. That’s exactly what I do every year. Allow 20-30 minutes on the counter to warm a bit, or lengthen the baking time about 5-10 minutes.

      Reply
  9. Ron Daggett says

    November 20, 2020 at 10:48 am

    Doesn’t ANYODY stuff their turkey with their dressing/stuffing any-more?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 20, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Hi Ron, we typically enjoy our dressing on the side but, I’m certain many people still do. Keep in mind, when stuffing a turkey, it requires extra attention and longer baking time.

      Reply
  10. Jay says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    Can this be prepared in advance and frozen; and if so, can it be frozen cooked or uncooked? Cooking directions with answer please

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 18, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      It can be frozen. Bake, cool completely then freeze. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in 325°F oven loosely covered with foil until heated through.

      Reply
  11. Jean Marcello says

    November 16, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    Hi Melissa…

    I’m having a difficult time trying to figure out how much 6 cubes of cornbread and french bread are? Is it one loaf of french bread and 1 pan of the cornbread mix? I don’t want it to be too dry. Please advise..

    Thank You,
    Jean

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 16, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      You need 6 cups of each cubed cornbread and french bread. I’m not certain a small box of cornbread mix will make that much, or not.

      Reply
  12. Kitty says

    November 16, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    5 stars
    This almost sounds like my brother-in-law’s dressing and he is an awesome cook. He adds shredded chicken to his. I was wondering how much chicken to add to this without overpowering the taste?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 16, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      You can also add giblets, if you’re so inclined. I don’t add chicken to this so, it’s fine to add the amount to your liking. I would think around 1/2-1 cup but, that’s a guess. If you add too much, it becomes a casserole and not dressing.

      Reply
  13. Rebekah says

    November 16, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Melissa! I’m going to use your recipe, but I wondered if I can use the boxed stuffing croutons (store bought “stuffing”) in place of the bread and cornbread for this recipe?
    Please, let me know!! I cannot wait! Thank you for any and all thoughts!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 16, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Rebekah, you likely could adapt it. Keep in mind that this is a cornbread dressing, even though there is bread in it, too. So, when substituting ingredients, try to use a cornbread stuffing mix instead of all bread stuffing mix, as the bread cubes will absorb the liquids differently. I’m not certain how to advise you regarding liquid adjustments, depending on how much stuffing you use, you may have to reduce or increase, the chicken stock. To keep it moist, don’t skimp.

      Reply
  14. Doris says

    November 14, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    Is it ok to use jiffy mix to make the cornbread?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 14, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      I don’t recommend using Jiffy Mix, it’s a bit too sweet. If you like sweet dressing, than you could. Otherwise, it’s best to use a savory flavored cornbread.

      Reply
  15. Sallie says

    November 14, 2020 at 10:54 am

    Thus sounds so good. Our family isn’t crazy about sage. If I delete it.. will it taste good??

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 14, 2020 at 11:06 am

      You can omit, sure.

      Reply
  16. Ally says

    November 12, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Hello! Recipe for 12 servings calls for 1/2 cup butter and when I put in for 6 servings, it calls for 1 cup of butter and it should likely be 1/4 cup? Kindly advise. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 12, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Please use 1/2 the amount, that feature is being disabled.

      Reply
  17. Misty says

    November 8, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    I was hoping to try your recipe but, am concerned about the consistency. What I mean is that traditional stuffing, using white bread, can be mushy/soggy in the middle. Can you tell me if comes out a bit dryer?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 9, 2020 at 9:55 am

      This dressing is moist on the inside with a crispy top.

      Reply
    • Michael says

      November 21, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      If you are expecting the consistency of stuffing, with individual cubes, this may not be what you’re looking for. Traditional cornbread dressing is usually mixed to a very moist mush with individual bread cubes not evident. Baking turns it into a loaf, square or rectangular firm mass, depending on your cooking vessel. Stuffing is NOT dressing, despite some common ingredients. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can have the turkey and trimmings. Just give me dressing with giblet gravy.

      Reply
      • BillyeJean says

        November 22, 2020 at 7:33 pm

        Love the dressing you dip out not cut in squares. Never! This is like my recipe it’s always good!

  18. PATRICIA PEURIFOY says

    November 4, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    5 stars
    My MOther always added about 4 or 5 eggs to a large baking pan of dressing although her recipe was quite like yours. She did put extra melted butter into it also.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 5, 2020 at 10:03 am

      I love dressing, sounds great!

      Reply
  19. Julie Hill says

    November 2, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    I make my cornbread in a 9 inch round pan, I use the self rising cornmeal. Would one 9 inch pan of cornbread = 6 cups ? or do I need to make 2 pans?.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 3, 2020 at 9:13 am

      It depends on hows thick. It likely would work.

      Reply
      • Mindy says

        November 13, 2020 at 5:32 pm

        5 stars
        I would think two batches for this recipe

      • Melissa says

        November 13, 2020 at 6:31 pm

        Not a bad idea!

  20. Sarah Chisholm says

    October 13, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Hi can you use Martha White packaged buttermilk cornbread and make it according to package directions for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      October 13, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      You could likely adapt it, sure.

      Reply
  21. Lynda Crombie says

    October 10, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    I am elected to make dressing for Our family gathering this month. I live 3 hrs away from family, will it be ok after the travel? I will cake before going! Thank you in advance

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      October 10, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      It should do fine, yes!

      Reply
  22. Susan Lewis says

    April 27, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is the first cornbread dressing recipe that I have made that I was pleasantly satisfied with!!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  23. Al B. says

    December 1, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    5 stars
    This is the best Cornbread dressing I have made in a while. I followed the directions exactly as given and found that you gave the exact spice amounts which for me is always a guess. If you want a crowd pleaser with no guess work, this is the recipe!!!.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      December 2, 2019 at 11:14 am

      Thank you so much, I’m delighted you loved this! We also had this on Thanksgiving.

      Reply
  24. Laura says

    November 25, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Thank you! I apologize for all the questions but this will be my first time trying. If I were to make your Skillet honey cornbread, would one pan be enough for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 25, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      No problem all, yes it will be.

      Reply
    • SARAH says

      November 22, 2020 at 10:50 am

      When do you add in the cream of chicken soup? I don’t see it in the instructions.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        November 22, 2020 at 12:00 pm

        From the recipe Step #3 Place the cubed cornbread and Italian bread into a large mixing bowl. To the bowl add sauteed onion and celery, soup, eggs, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.

  25. Laura says

    November 24, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    This sounds great! Can I use the bagged Pepperidge Farm corn bread for this in replace of homemade?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 24, 2019 at 3:36 pm

      You can but, you’ll need to adjust the amount Keep in mind, cornbread that’s baked and cubed is different from cornbread crumbles. That said, if you’re handy in the kitchen you could likely adapt.

      Reply
  26. Olivia Liwosz says

    November 23, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    5 stars
    How long does it typically take to bring it to room temperature? I have a small oven so I am baking desserts and the dressing the night before
    Thanksgiving. If we are eating at 12pm what time should I pull this out of the fridge? We live in NC so it will be cold that day.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 23, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      Hi Olivia, 30 minutes to one hour should do the trick and it will be ready to reheat. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

      Reply
    • GB says

      November 6, 2020 at 2:51 am

      An inexpensive electric roaster would be a helpful extra oven to you!

      Reply
    • Nitra says

      November 12, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      5 stars
      Can’t wait to make this!

      Reply
  27. Judy Shelton says

    November 22, 2019 at 10:02 am

    I use my sourdough bread and plant butter or goat milk butter in mine. We are allergic to wheat, (gluten & Dairy) I can use the soughdough because it is fermented.

    Reply
    • Keith says

      November 7, 2020 at 11:00 am

      Did you omit the cream of chicken soup ? Most of those have dairy and wheat in it ?

      Reply
      • Britt says

        November 9, 2020 at 8:41 pm

        I would love to have a substitute for the cream of chicken soup as I have a dairy allergy as well

  28. penny williams says

    November 15, 2019 at 8:54 am

    Love your recipe the only difference I use biscuits instead of bread..I may try french bread this time.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 15, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Hi Penny, my Grandma’s both used biscuits, I love that, too!

      Reply
  29. Baltisraul says

    November 8, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    5 stars
    This is just about our long family tradition dressing. With one exception. Grandmother always said if you think you have added enough celery, add more! A number of years ago we settled on 5 stalks of celery.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 8, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      Gotta love the celery!

      Reply
  30. Shannon says

    November 3, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    This is a lot like the old family recipe that my family had used for as long as I can remember with the exception of the bread and we add melted butter. But I’ll be trying your recipe this year. I’ve known ours was missing something… maybe this is it. I’ll let you know. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      November 3, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      There is a stick of butter in this cooked with the onion and celery. Hope you enjoy, thanks!

      Reply

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hello,my name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.

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