The BEST Cornbread Dressing

Name: The BEST Cornbread Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 to 9 cups cornbread, cubed (homemade or store-bought); 1 pound Italian sausage (breakfast, spicy, sage – your choice, optional); 1 ½ cups diced onion; 1 ½ cups chopped celery; 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped); 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; 2 eggs (lightly beaten); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups low-sodium turkey or chicken stock (or broth); 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, divided)

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 25, 2025

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The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, and nothing brings folks together quite like The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing). This recipe is a hallmark of festive tables, boasting a warm, inviting aroma that wafts through the house, stirring up memories of family dinners past. You know that heartwarming feeling when the first bite transports you back to your grandmother’s kitchen? That’s the essence captured here. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this cornbread dressing is sure to spark delight.

A perfect blend of buttery cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. You can customize it to suit your taste with optional ingredients like sausage or nuts; the possibilities are endless! In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step with warmth and clarity, ensuring that you can create a cornbread dressing that’s not just food but a family tradition in the making.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing) starts with its base: the cornbread. When you prepare cornbread, you create a fluffy texture that absorbs broth beautifully. That moist interior mixed with a crispy top brings about a delightful contrast. Furthermore, using fresh herbs like sage and thyme brings a burst of flavor, transforming simple ingredients into something special.

Another key to success is how we prep the cornbread. Drying it out before mixing enhances its ability to soak up the broth without turning mushy. This technique ensures every bite delivers that rich flavor and satisfying texture without falling apart.

Why You’ll Love This The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing)

This dish holds a special place in many hearts, often conjuring feelings of comfort and nostalgia. It offers warmth, and every forkful tastes like home. The soft inside balanced with a crispy outside creates a wonderful textural play that makes you want more.

What’s great is how easy it is to customize. Whether using traditional sausage, leaving it vegetarian, or adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits, you can create a version that fits your family’s tastes. The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing) is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and memories.

Ingredients

To get started, here’s what you’ll need for The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing):

8 to 9 cups cornbread, cubed (homemade or store-bought)
1 pound Italian sausage (breakfast, spicy, sage – your choice, optional)
1 ½ cups diced onion
1 ½ cups chopped celery
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
2 ½ to 3 ½ cups low-sodium turkey or chicken stock (or broth)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, divided)

Preparing Your Cornbread Dressing

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cornbread

First, preheat your oven to 300°F. Take your cubed cornbread and spread it across a large baking sheet. Bake for around 20 minutes until it’s dried out. This step is crucial as it prepares the cornbread to soak up all that luscious broth. Afterward, let the pieces cool down completely.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, it’s time to brown the sausage. Cook it until it’s thoroughly done, then remove the sausage from the skillet. Leave about 1 tablespoon of grease behind; it’ll add flavor to the vegetables.

Sauté Vegetables

Now, let’s bring some life to those veggies! Add diced onion and chopped celery to the skillet, sprinkling in salt and pepper. Keep stirring until you see the onions turn translucent, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add Herbs and Pecans

Next, stir in the fresh sage, thyme, and the chopped pecans. Cook everything for another 2 to 3 minutes until you catch those wonderful fragrant notes. That aroma will fill your kitchen!

Combine Egg Mixture

While your veggies cook, whisk together 2 cups of broth with the lightly beaten eggs in a medium bowl. This mixture will bind everything beautifully.

Mix All Ingredients

In a very large bowl, combine the dried cornbread cubes with the sausage and the sautéed vegetable-herb mixture. Pour the egg mixture over everything and add 4 tablespoons of that melted butter. Gently fold it all together until each piece is well coated.

Bake the Dressing

Transfer everything into a greased 3-quart baking dish, pressing down lightly. Cover it with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Final Baking Step

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and check the consistency of your dressing. If it looks a bit dry, drizzle in a little more broth. Top it off with the remaining melted butter, then increase your oven temperature to 375°F. Return the dressing to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing) is ready, think about what to serve alongside it. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, roasted vegetables, or even a bright cranberry salad. To present it beautifully, consider serving in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Success

Success is all about preparation! Ensure your cornbread is adequately dried before mixing, as this will give you the best texture. Before your final bake, check the dressing’s moisture level. A good rule is that it should feel a bit damp but not soupy.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the sausage for bacon or other types. Want something sweet? Consider adding dried cranberries or apricots for a lovely contrast. If you’re gluten-sensitive, using alternative bread can also work wonders.

Pairing Ideas

A nice white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with cornbread dressing. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider can also elevate your meal. Other festive dishes, like honey-glazed carrots or mashed potatoes, make great companions too.

FAQs

1. Can I make cornbread dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.

2. Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking. Just ensure it’s well-sealed.

3. How can I make this dressing vegetarian?
You can omit the sausage and add in more vegetables and perhaps some beans for protein.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing.

5. Can I use a different type of bread?
While cornbread is traditional, day-old white or whole wheat bread can also be a delicious option.

This The BEST Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing) is bound to be a hit at your holiday table. Its unique blend of flavors and textures will leave everyone clamoring for seconds. With its buttery richness and herbaceous freshness, this dish embodies the essence of comfort food, making it the ideal complement to your festive meal. Enjoy sharing this delightful recipe with family and friends!