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Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
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Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern side dish combining golden, crumbly cornbread with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory chicken broth, baked to a moist yet slightly crispy perfection. It’s a comforting, flavorful heirloom recipe perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any occasion requiring a soulful, home-cooked touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Base

  • 6 cups day-old cornbread, crumbled (homemade or store-bought)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Binding and Seasoning

  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 to 3 cups warm chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cornbread: Crumble your day-old cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the cornbread is slightly dry to absorb the broth well without becoming mushy. If using fresh cornbread, bake and cool completely before crumbling.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and celery, cooking until soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas that form the flavor base.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables, fresh sage, thyme, parsley, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper to the cornbread crumbs. Gradually pour in warm chicken broth while gently mixing until the texture is moist but not soupy. Adjust broth depending on cornbread dryness.
  4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the inside is set, developing a slightly crispy crust.

Notes

  • Use day-old cornbread for better broth absorption and to prevent sogginess.
  • Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy texture; avoid overmixing.
  • Add broth slowly and adjust to achieve the perfect moist consistency.
  • Prefer fresh herbs over dried for brighter, more authentic flavor.
  • Tent with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the top.
  • Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes after baking to set its shape before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern cornbread dressing, cornbread stuffing, holiday side dish, comfort food, Southern cooking, gluten-free side dish

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/mamas-cornbread-dressing/