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Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing

This Cornbread Dressing is a comforting, moist, and savory holiday side dish that blends the sweet rustic charm of cornbread with traditional herbs and spices. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it delivers a rich, flavorful addition to any festive meal, perfect for gatherings and bringing nostalgic warmth to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Base

  • 6 cups crumbled slightly stale cornbread

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Broth & Binding

  • 2 to 2 ½ cups warm chicken or turkey broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 3 large eggs, beaten

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cornbread: Bake your favorite cornbread recipe or use a store-bought version. Allow it to cool completely, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl to avoid sogginess in your dressing.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped celery and onion until soft and fragrant, forming a flavorful aromatic base.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add saffroned vegetables to the crumbled cornbread. Mix in the sage, thyme, parsley, and beaten eggs. Slowly pour in warm broth while stirring gently to achieve a moist but not overly wet texture.
  4. Season and Adjust: Add salt, pepper, and any preferred additional spices. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
  5. Bake the Dressing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to develop a lightly crisped top.

Notes

  • Use slightly stale cornbread for best absorption and texture.
  • Warm the broth before adding to prevent eggs from scrambling.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep dressing light and airy.
  • Adjust broth quantity to maintain a moist but not soggy consistency.
  • Cover with foil during baking to trap steam and keep interior moist, uncover at the end for a golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread dressing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving dressing, gluten-free dressing, savory cornbread