Soul-Satisfying Cornbread Dressing Recipe for Holidays
As I sit here surrounded by the warm aromas of Thanksgiving dinner, memories flood my mind of my childhood and the special dishes that my mom would make every year. One dish, in particular, stands out—Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe. This Southern soul food recipe has been handed down through generations of family members and has graced our holiday table for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, I never fully appreciated the time and effort that went into making this savory dish. But now, as an adult, I understand the history and significance behind this family recipe. The combination of yellow onions, celery, and a blend of ground sage, salt, and pepper is simply divine. And don’t even get me started on the toasted cornbread! The sweet smell of freshly baked bread sets the tone for a cozy and memorable dinner experience.
I’m excited to share with you Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe so that you too can enjoy one of my favorite holiday traditions. No matter how far away from home we all may be, this recipe always seems to bring us together around the table in spirit. So let’s preheat our ovens and get to cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This southern cornbread dressing recipe is a family recipe and it’s the best. It is not only delicious, but it is relatively easy to make. The ingredients are simple, easy to find at any grocery store, and economical – so you won’t break the bank making it. Once you taste it, you’ll say it’s like mom’s thanksgiving cornbread stuffing.
If you’ve never had southern cornbread dressing before, you’re in for a real treat. The combination of savory flavors and spices complimenting the crispy yet moist baked cornbread creates a truly mouth-watering experience. It is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner or just a soul food comfort food anytime.
But this recipe isn’t just about taste – it’s also about tradition. This is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. It brings back fond memories of childhood holidays and sitting around the dinner table with loved ones.
So not only will you love the way this dressing tastes, but you’ll also be carrying on a cherished tradition that has been in my family for years.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list for Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe is a carefully crafted combination of flavors – the perfect blend of Southern comfort and Thanksgiving tradition. To make this classic dish, you will need:
For the Cornbread:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup oil or melted butter
For the Dressing:
- 1 pan of cornbread (recipe below)
- 8 slices of stale white bread, toasted and crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1.5 cups chopped celery
- 3 teaspoons ground sage
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 cups of canned or homemade chicken broth (depends on how moist you like your dressing)
- Optional: cooked chicken gizzards, chopped (if desired)
For the Cornbread Stuffing:
1) Follow the same recipe as above but add a few ingredients:
– sauté the celery and onions until tender
– mix in with the cornbread mixture along with the toasted white bread crumbs, sage, pepper, salt, and chicken broth
These ingredients are sure to produce unforgettable flavor, especially if it’s made with my mom’s old-fashioned cornbread recipe. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner or any occasion, Mom’s Cornbread Dressing will be a hit!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move to the most exciting part of this article – the recipe itself! I’m going to share with you how to make my mom’s famous Cornbread Dressing Recipe, start to finish.
Step 1: Bake Cornbread and Toasted Bread
First, bake the cornbread according to the instructions in recipe (3). While waiting for it to bake and cool, tear up some slices of white bread and leave them out to become slightly stale. Toast these slices until they’re lightly browned.
Step 2: Prepare Celery and Onion
In a skillet, sauté a combination of finely chopped celery and onion until they’re tender. This mixture will add depth of flavor and texture to your dressing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, crumble up the cooked cornbread and toasted bread into small pieces. Add in the cooked celery and onion mixture, along with plenty of ground sage, pepper, and salt to taste.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Next, add in about 2 cups of chicken broth along with slightly beaten eggs until moistened. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Place in Pan and Bake
Grease a baking dish with butter (1-2 tablespoons) and place your ingredients into it. Your stuffing should be about 1-1/2 inches thick. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake covered at 350°F for around 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Enjoy your delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe with loved ones at a Thanksgiving dinner or any dinner occasion!
A Quick Summary:
* Bake cornbread as per recipe (3) instructions
* Toast white bread slices until lightly browned
* Saute chopped celery and onion
* Crumble up cooled cornbread into small pieces
* Mix in toasted bread, celery/onion mixture, ground sage, pepper, salt
* Add chicken broth and beaten eggs
* Grease pan with butter
* Place stuffing in pan about 1-1/2 inches thick
* Cover tightly with aluminum foil
* Bake covered for 30 minutes at 350°F
* Uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crispy golden-brown on top.
You can also experiment by adding your own twists or family recipes like using chicken gizzards or apple stuffing instead of plain chicken broth. This recipe is very versatile – so have fun playing around with it!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe, there is room for some swaps and additions. If you want to mix things up a bit, try these substitutions and variations.
First, if you don’t have ground sage on hand, try using poultry seasoning or thyme instead. They’ll add a similar depth of flavor without changing the integrity of the recipe.
For those who aren’t big fans of celery or onions, fear not – this recipe can still work for you! Simply omit these ingredients or substitute with other vegetables that you do love. Bell peppers or even carrots would be a nice addition.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. You can also add in some roasted vegetables like mushrooms or butternut squash for added flavor and texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some cooked chicken gizzards or sausage to make the dressing extra hearty. Alternatively, you could mix in some diced apples or cranberries for a sweet and savory twist on a classic.
Finally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the cornbread with gluten-free cornbread mix and use gluten-free bread for the toasted bread cubes.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this cornbread dressing recipe will still be a hit at your thanksgiving dinner table.
Serving and Pairing
Mom’s Cornbread Dressing is the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a Southern-style dinner or a Thanksgiving feast. This traditional recipe is loaded with texture and flavor, making it a scrumptious treat that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
To get the most out of this mouthwatering dressing, it pairs phenomenally with roasted turkey, ham and chicken dishes. The dressing’s hearty mixture of savory ingredients like ground sage, celery onions and chicken broth compliments salted meat perfectly. Not just limited to meat dishes, this Southern-style cornbread stuffing even tastes fantastic when enjoyed on its own with some hot gravy and cranberry sauce.
Consider pairing your Mom’s Cornbread Dressing with a light-bodied red wine or Rosé for an elegant balance of flavors. Sparkling wines or champagne makes for a great complement to its earthy, toasted bread aroma.
This recipe’s southern flair complements other soul food favorites such as black-eyed peas or collard greens. Try it as part of your Thanksgiving dinner spread alongside other classics such as sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole or mac and cheese.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Mom’s Cornbread Dressing is sure to be the star of any mealtime and will leave your family and guests asking for seconds, so make sure to double up on portions!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making the cornbread dressing ahead of time is a great way to save some time and reduce stress on the day of the big event. You can prepare the recipe up to two days before serving it. Once you’ve made your cornbread dressing, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat your mom’s cornbread dressing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, spoon the dressing into a baking dish and cover it with foil. Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so that it can come up to room temperature, which will help it heat evenly.
After half an hour, put the pan of cornbread dressing in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The stuffing should be heated through and have crispy, golden edges. Be sure to remove the foil during the last five minutes of baking to get that perfect crust on top!
You can also reheat individual portions of your mom’s cornbread dressing in the microwave. Place a portion of leftover stuffing on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Remember not to leave cooked cornbread stuffing out at room temperature for too long. It’s always best to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking. If you have leftovers from your mom’s cornbread dressing recipe, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing your leftover stuffing in a freezer-friendly container for up to six months.
When reheating frozen stuffing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above. Whether you’re enjoying your mom’s cornbread dressing fresh out of the oven or reheating it later, you’re going to love every delicious bite!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making mom’s cornbread dressing, getting it just right can seem like a daunting task. But with a few helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and perfect holiday dish that will have your family coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that your cornbread is not too dry. A moist cornbread makes for a moist and delicious dressing, so be careful not to overbake the cornbread or let it sit out for too long. If you find that your cornbread has become too dry, try adding in some extra chicken broth to help moisten it up.
Another key tip is to sauté your onions and celery until they are tender before adding them in with the rest of the ingredients. This ensures that they are fully cooked and gives the dressing a more cohesive flavor. And don’t forget to use plenty of salt, pepper, and ground sage to give your dressing that classic Southern taste.
Additionally, you can mix up the recipe by adding in other ingredients such as chicken gizzards or even apples! This can give the dish a unique flavor and add an extra element of texture. And if you prefer a more traditional stuffing consistency over dressing, consider using crispy toasted bread instead of cornbread as your base.
One final tip is to make sure you use enough chicken broth to help bind all the ingredients together without making the dish too wet. Typically, two cups of chicken broth should be sufficient, but feel free to adjust according to your desired consistency.
By following these tips and adapting the recipe to fit your preferences, you can easily create a delicious and perfect mom’s cornbread dressing that will be sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe is a delicious and easy addition to any holiday dinner table. With its signature combination of cornbread, onions, celery and ground sage seasoning, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a Southern classic or a soul food twist on the traditional stuffing, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Don’t be afraid to switch up ingredients or make it your own with different variations and substitutions. Serve it as a side dish alongside turkey or chicken gizzards, or use it as a base for an Apple Stuffing entree. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy this dish, our family recipe will always be special.
Follow these tips to ensure perfect results every time: bake cornbread ahead of time and let it dry out completely before adding in other ingredients; saute your onions and celery until they become tender to increase flavor; use fresh herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme if available.
Overall, if you’re looking for a homemade cornbread dressing recipe that is simple and easy to follow but still packs a punch of flavor, then look no further than Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe. Perfect for any celebration or holiday feast, this classic Southern dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Mom’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- pre-made cornbread, crumbled up (1 pan, any way you like to make it)
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth (1-2 cans)
- salt
- pepper
- ground sage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Mix cornbread, celery, onion, eggs and 1 can of broth together.
- Add salt, pepper and sage to taste.
- Bake at 350° for 30-45 minutes or until done.
- Half way through cooking check moisture; slowly add other can of broth if needed.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.