Southern Dressing: A Classic Cornbread Dish (2024)

ByAllison LancasterMay 10, 2023January 20, 2024Last UpdatedJanuary 20, 2024

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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Southern dressing is a classic Southern dish that is often served as a side during Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a delicious blend of crumbled cornbread and savory seasonings that come together to create a warm and comforting dish. This particular recipe for cornbread dressing is a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at this recipe, explore its history and cultural significance, and I’ll share some tips for making it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Southern Cornbread Dressing

The recipe for this cornbread dressing is simple, but the flavor is anything but. The base of the dish is a package of Pepperidge Farms herb dressing mix, which provides a blend of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the cornbread. The corn muffins are crumbled and mixed with diced onions and celery, which add a crunch and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Dry-rubbed sage is added for a warm and earthy flavor, and two beaten eggs are used to bind everything together. Finally, chicken broth is added to moisten the mixture and bring all of the flavors together.

Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Pepperidge Farms Herb Dressing
• corn muffins
• small onion
• celery
• dry rubbed sage
• eggs
• chicken broth or broth from the turkey to moisten it as you mix it
• Salt & Pepper

How to make Southern Dressing

The first step in making this cornbread dressing is to bake the corn muffins. You’ll want to make sure that they are fully cooked and cooled before you start crumbing them. If you try to crumble them while they’re still warm, they’ll just turn into a mushy mess. Once the muffins are cooled, crumble them into a large mixing bowl.

Next, dice the onion and celery and add them to the bowl with the crumbled muffins. Mix everything together until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Add the dry rubbed sage and mix it in, making sure that it’s evenly distributed.

In a separate large bowl, beat two eggs until they’re fully mixed. Add the beaten eggs to the cornbread mixture and mix everything together until the eggs are fully incorporated. At this point, you’ll want to start adding the chicken or turkey broth a little bit at a time.

The amount of broth you need will depend on the consistency of your cornbread mixture. You want it to be moist but not overly wet. Keep adding broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Once the mixture is fully mixed and moistened, transfer it to a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. You can use cooking spray to grease the dish, or you can use butter or oil. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, making sure that it’s compacted and level. Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.

Once the cornbread dressing is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This dish is best served warm, but it’s also delicious cold the next day. In fact, some people say that it’s even better the second day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Southern cuisine has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that is reflected in the array of side dishes served during Thanksgiving. From savory greens to sweet potato casseroles, Southern side dishes are known for their bold flavors and comforting textures. Here are a few of the most popular Southern side dishes that are commonly served during Thanksgiving:

1. Collard Greens – This traditional Southern dish is made by slow-cooking collard greens with bacon or ham hocks, onions, and garlic until they are tender and flavorful. Some people add vinegar or hot sauce for an extra kick.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole – This sweet and savory side dish is a Southern classic. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
3. Cornbread Dressing – Cornbread dressing, also known as cornbread stuffing, is a staple of Southern Thanksgiving tables. It’s made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, sage, and chicken broth, and baked until it’s crispy on top and moist on the inside.
4. Macaroni and Cheese – This creamy and indulgent dish is a favorite of many Southern families. It’s made with elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a rich and creamy sauce, and baked until it’s golden and bubbly.
5. Green Bean Casserole – This classic Thanksgiving side dish is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Overall, Southern side dishes are a beloved part of Thanksgiving celebrations. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re a fan of collard greens, sweet potato casserole, or cornbread dressing, there’s something for everyone at a Southern Thanksgiving table.

Cornbread dressing is a dish that’s steeped in tradition and history. For many families, including ours, it’s a beloved part of their holiday celebrations. It’s often served alongside other Southern classics, like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared with