The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe Ever

Cornbread dressing is a cornerstone of Southern holiday meals, a dish brimming with nostalgia and flavor.

This recipe is a perfect blend of moist cornbread, savory herbs, and rich broth, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt.

Follow along for step-by-step instructions, tips, FAQs, and creative variations.

Ingredients for the Best Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

For the Cornbread:

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup sugar (optional for a slightly sweet touch)
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Dressing:

1 skillet of prepared cornbread (about 8 cups crumbled)
6 cups cubed day-old white bread or biscuits
1 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 cups chicken or turkey stock (more if needed for desired moisture)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tbsp dried sage (adjust to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: 1 cup cooked, crumbled sausage or chopped cooked giblets

Instructions for the Best Southern Cornbread Dressing

Prepare the Cornbread: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar (if using). In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, then mix in the melted butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before crumbling.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread or biscuits. Add the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Add Moisture: Gradually stir in the chicken or turkey stock until the mixture is thoroughly moistened but not soggy. Mix in the beaten eggs. If using sausage or giblets, fold them in now.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Serve: Allow the dressing to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Pair it with turkey, ham, or any holiday roast.

Tips for the Best Southern Cornbread Dressing

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs stock better, resulting in a flavorful dressing.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Taste Before Baking: If the mixture isn’t flavorful enough, adjust the seasonings before baking.
Customize Moisture: If your dressing seems dry, add more stock a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving.

Q: Can I freeze cornbread dressing? A: Yes. Bake the dressing, let it cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk? A: Substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 3/4 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Variations

Seafood Cornbread Dressing: Add 1 cup of cooked, chopped shrimp or crabmeat and ½ cup of diced bell pepper.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and add sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost.
Spicy Twist: Mix in 1-2 finely diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Southern Bacon: Include 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon and use bacon drippings instead of butter.

Cornbread dressing is a dish that brings people together, steeped in tradition yet endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a small family meal, this recipe is sure to shine on your table.

Share it with love, and don’t forget to savor every bite!