Cornbread dressing is one of those magical recipes that instantly takes you back to the comforting warmth of family gatherings and festive holidays. Imagine buttery, golden cornbread blending effortlessly with cozy sausage and fragrant veggies, creating a delightful dish that hugs your taste buds. This isn’t just about filling your plate; it’s about filling your heart and home with the essence of togetherness, laughter, and the joy of good food. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a Sunday family feast, cornbread dressing brings a sense of belonging, comfort, and a sprinkle of nostalgia to every bite. So, let’s get into how you can whip up this incredible dish, bringing a slice of comfort right to your table!
Why This Recipe Works
Cornbread dressing is a beloved side dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal, especially during the holidays. The combination of buttery cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables creates a delightful medley of flavors. Baking the cornbread until slightly crisp adds wonderful texture, while the herbs elevate each bite, making this dish an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Dressing
This cornbread dressing recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking but also makes for a crowd-pleasing side dish versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying heartiness, it complements meats beautifully, making it a go-to option for family gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time!
Ingredients
- 9 cups cornbread, homemade or store-bought
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick or 57g) salted butter
- 2 medium onions, cut into ¼-inch dice (about 2 cups)
- 3 stalks celery with leaves, cut into ¼-inch dice (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound ground sausage, mild
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Cornbread Dressing
Preheat and Prepare the Cornbread
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Now, cut the cornbread into ½-inch bite-sized pieces and spread them across the sheet. By baking them for about 20 minutes until slightly crisp, you achieve that perfect texture. If you’re using stale cornbread, feel free to skip this step. Once baked, transfer the cornbread pieces to a large mixing bowl and set them aside.
Cook the Aromatic Vegetables
Next, turn up the heat by increasing the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and celery, stirring them occasionally for about 5-10 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and fragrant. When that’s done, add this delightful mixture to the bowl of cornbread.
Brown the Sausage and Add Flavor
Continuing on, use the same skillet for cooking the ground sausage. Over medium heat, cook until browned and no longer pink. This step adds depth to the flavors of your cornbread dressing. Don’t rush! Stir in the minced garlic, crumbled sage, crushed rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to combine for an additional minute, and then spoon it into the bowl with the cornbread.
Combine and Bake the Mixture
Now it’s time to bind everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and egg until everything is well blended. Pour this tasty mixture over the cornbread and gently toss to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Transfer the dressing into your prepared baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
Bake to Perfection
Bake it covered for about 30 minutes or until the dish is heated through. For a beautifully crisp top, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Once golden and inviting, serve the cornbread dressing immediately, adding a sprinkle of parsley for a finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
Cornbread dressing shines brightest when served alongside roasted turkey, ham, or even fried chicken for a hearty meal. Pair it with some cranberry sauce and gravy, giving you that classic Thanksgiving experience. Your family will thank you for this lovely addition to the table.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Cornbread: For the best flavor and texture, go with high-quality cornbread.
- Bake the Cornbread: Don’t skip this step! It helps absorb flavors beautifully, making your dressing vibrant.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference!
Variations
Want to shake things up a bit? Experiment with different proteins like diced chicken or smoked sausage for a unique twist. You could also add veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through. It stays delicious, so don’t worry about it going to waste!
FAQs
Can I make cornbread dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and then bake before serving.
What can I substitute for sausage in this recipe?
Try using diced cooked bacon, turkey sausage, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian option.
Is there a gluten-free version of cornbread dressing?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free cornbread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What herbs work best in cornbread dressing?
Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley are traditional, but don’t hesitate to add your own favorite herbs for a personal touch.
Cornbread dressing is a delightful dish that marries tradition and comfort, perfect for elevating any meal. With its warm, aromatic flavors and satisfying texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with variations and make it your own!
Print
Cornbread Dressing
Cornbread dressing is a comforting side dish that combines buttery cornbread, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables for a festive and heartwarming experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 9 cups cornbread, homemade or store-bought
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick or 57g) salted butter
- 2 medium onions, cut into ¼-inch dice (about 2 cups)
- 3 stalks celery with leaves, cut into ¼-inch dice (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound ground sausage, mild
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut cornbread into ½-inch pieces and bake for 20 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Melt butter in a skillet, add diced onions and celery, cook until translucent.
- Brown ground sausage in the skillet, stir in garlic and herbs.
- Combine cornbread, veggie mixture, and sausage in a bowl.
- Whisk together chicken broth and egg, pour over cornbread mixture, and combine.
- Transfer to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Choose high-quality cornbread for the best flavor.
Baking the cornbread beforehand enhances the dish’s texture.
Adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 30
