Southern Cornbread Dressing

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without this classic Southern Cornbread Dressing, finished with a generous drizzle of rich turkey gravy. An unexpected ingredient keeps it exceptionally moist and flavorful as it bakes. Perfect for the holiday table, or any time you’re craving true Southern comfort food.

Ingredients to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

When planning our Thanksgiving feast, it’s hard to say “turkey” without immediately thinking of “dressing”. At least that’s the case, in the South. Elsewhere, you might know it as cornbread stuffing. But no matter what you call it, holidays just wouldn’t be the same without cherished family recipes like this old-fashioned Southern cornbread dressing on our Thanksgiving menu. Ingredients to Make Cornbread Dressing: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Cornbread – Six cups of savory cornbread cubes. This can be made in advance to save time.
• Bread – Six cups cubed French bread or Italian bread gives the dressing a tender crumb.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter for a rich buttery flavor.
• Vegetables – One sweet onion and diced celery add texture and expand the flavor profile.
• Soup – Cream of chicken soup or cream of chicken with herbs soup makes the dressing moist.
• Eggs – Large eggs bind the cornbread mixture.
• Fresh Herbs – Sage leaves add freshness to the flavor.
• Seasonings – Poultry seasoning, salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
• Liquid – Low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock adds moisture. You can make your own stock or use store-bought.

How to Make the BEST Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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. While baking, this dressing becomes crispy and golden on top and using this bread combination along with the soup, keeps this cornbread dressing moist in the middle.

• Heat Oven Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Sauté Vegetables – In a large skillet over medium-high heat melt butter with diced onion and celery.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste – Season lightly with salt and black pepper to your taste. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften.
• Cube Cornbread and White Bread – Place cubed cornbread and Italian bread into a large bowl.
• Combine – Add sautéed onion and celery, cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
• Liquid – Gradually add chicken broth stirring until the cornbread mixture is fully moistened.
• Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour cornbread mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
• Oven – Bake per the recipe until the top is golden and baked through.
• Serve – Serve immediately drizzled with turkey gravy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing

• One 13×9-inch baking dish.
• Large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Large spoon or spatula for stirring the dressing.
• Large skillet for sautéing the vegetables.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein – You can add chopped cooked chicken, turkey giblets or chicken livers to this dressing. All should be cooked prior to adding to the dressing mixture.
• Soup Substitutions – You can use regular cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup.
• Alternate Herbs – I tend to go for the classic flavor of sage in this recipe, but you could use fresh parsley, rosemary or thyme.
• Vegetarian Dressing Option – Use vegetable stock for moisture and cream of celery soup.
• Dried Cornbread and Bread Make the Best Dressing – Allowing time for both breads to dry out will make the most flavorful and moist dressing.
• Savory or Sweet Cornbread – For this Southern style dressing, I recommend using a savory cornbread.
• Make Homemade Cornbread Recipe – To make your own cornbread for this recipe checkout my recipe for Skillet Honey Cornbread. For the purpose of using it in this dressing recipe, omit the honey and increase the amount of buttermilk called for to 1 1/3 cup.
• Soup is the Secret to Moist Dressing – 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.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This cornbread dressing can be assembled in advance, covered with plastic wrap and chilled overnight in the fridge. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and let stand on the counter for 15-20 minutes to bring it to room temperature before baking. 

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover Cornbread Dressing in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat it gently in the microwave in single serving portions, or cover it loosely with foil and bake it in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or so just until it’s heated through.
• Freezer: You can freeze dressing after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven with a piece of aluminum foil on top for 20-30 minutes or just until heated through.

Dishes to Serve with Cornbread Dressing

At holiday time or anytime Southern comfort food is on the menu, this dressing recipe will hit the spot. More serving ideas:

• The main extra ingredient needed is a generous drizzle of homemade Turkey Gravy and Thanksgiving dinner is ready to be served.
• See how to make a juicy Oven Roasted Turkey here.
• You can also serve dressing with a Slow Cooked Turkey Breast if you’re having a smaller gathering.
• You can serve dressing and gravy with Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
• These crispy fried Turkey Croquettes are a must make transforming Thanksgiving turkey into a round two meal.
• Spice rubbed Baked Chicken Thighs.
• Individual size Turkey Meatloaf Muffins frosted with mashed potatoes.
• Ham Croquettes from Carnation.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Baking Dish
• Silicone Spatulas
• Measuring Set
• Mixing Bowls