Description

There’s nothing quite like Mama’s Cornbread Dressing warm, savory, and full of comforting Southern flavor. This classic holiday dish combines tender cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful broth into a golden, perfectly baked side that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you serve it alongside roast turkey or enjoy it all on its own, this recipe brings that nostalgic, made-with-love taste straight to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably day-old or lightly dried out)
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
2–3 celery stalks, diced (optional but traditional)
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or 1 tsp sage + 1 tsp thyme)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 to 3 cups chicken or turkey broth (enough to moisten)

Optional Additions:

1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or turkey
1/2 cup chopped green onions or bell pepper
1 can cream of chicken soup (for a creamy version)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions (and celery, if using) and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add wet ingredients: Stir in the beaten eggs and 2 cups of broth. Mix gently, adding more broth until the mixture is very moist but not soupy.
Optional creamy version: Stir in the cream of chicken soup for a richer texture.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.

Notes

Moisture is key: The dressing should be moist before baking not dry and crumbly. Add broth slowly to reach that perfect consistency.
Homemade cornbread: For the best flavor and texture, use homemade cornbread rather than boxed mix. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture make a huge difference.
Advance prep: You can mix and refrigerate the dressing up to a day ahead. Bake it right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven aroma.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 265
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cornbread dressing, Southern stuffing, holiday side dish, traditional dressing, Thanksgiving recipe, classic cornbread stuffing