Name: Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (9×13-inch) pan of baked cornbread crumbled; 6 cups day-old white bread torn into pieces; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 3 celery stalks finely chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed); 2 large eggs beaten; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)

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Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the kind of dish that instantly brings back memories of holidays, family gatherings, and cozy Sunday dinners. It’s a warm, savory classic loaded with tender cornbread, soft white bread, delicate sautéed vegetables, and savory herbs, all bound together with rich broth and eggs. Every bite delivers a hearty taste of home, and it’s the side everyone wants the biggest helping of—whether you’re serving turkey in November or just need a little extra comfort on your plate.

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is delightfully simple, but each item plays a special role. The bread brings the backbone and texture, veggies lend sweetness and crunch, and the fragrant blend of herbs creates that unmistakable Southern aroma.

1 (9×13-inch) pan of baked cornbread crumbled: This is the heart and soul of the dressing, providing rich, crumbly texture and a signature flavor only good cornbread gives.
6 cups day-old white bread torn into pieces: Adds lightness and balance, letting the cornbread truly shine.
1 medium onion finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth that melds beautifully with savory herbs.
3 celery stalks finely chopped: The perfect crunchy, aromatic contrast to the soft bread base.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Helps sauté veggies for extra flavor and infuses richness throughout the dressing.
3 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed): The magic liquid that binds and moistens everything, giving life and flavor to every bite.
2 large eggs beaten: Essential for holding the mix together as it bakes, adding a heavenly custardy finish.
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: The flavor backbone—think sage, thyme, and a hint of nostalgia.
1 teaspoon dried sage: Amplifies the herbiness and gives the dressing that unmistakable holiday taste.
1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors into balance.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle peppery warmth in every forkful.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end for color and brightness.

How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a crucial first step for perfect baking! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and you get those golden, crispy edges everyone fights over.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and celery, and let them cook down gently for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft, translucent, and their sweet aroma fills the kitchen. This step unlocks their best flavors, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine the Breads

In a really big mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread and torn pieces of white bread. Give them a quick toss, breaking up any big chunks as you go. The blend of two breads is what makes Mama’s Cornbread Dressing so light and tender.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Herbs

Pour the buttery, sautéed veggies (and every drop of that infused butter) over the bread mixture. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a careful but thorough stir so the herbs and veggies are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Moisten the Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. This is your dressing’s secret weapon! Pour the wet mixture over your bread blend a little at a time, gently folding as you go. You want everything moist—not soggy—but well hydrated. If things look a bit dry, add extra broth one splash at a time.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop your dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Slip it into the oven uncovered. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set but still moist. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before you dig in—this makes serving cleaner and lets the flavors settle together.

Step 7: Add a Fresh Finish

If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The pop of green is a beautiful finishing touch on your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing masterpiece!

How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

A shower of vibrant chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can get creative—think finely sliced green onions for a little bite or a dusting of smoked paprika for color. If you want real Southern flair, a few curls of crisp bacon scattered over the top will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing belongs at the center of any celebratory table. Pair it with juicy roast turkey or chicken, tart cranberry sauce, silky mashed potatoes, and a simple green vegetable like sautéed green beans or collard greens. For extra coziness, a spoonful of homemade gravy transforms every forkful into pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

You can go beyond the classic casserole look: try baking individual portions of Mama’s Cornbread Dressing in muffin tins for adorable, crispy-edged servings. Or shape the mixture into patties and pan-fry for savory “dressing cakes” with a rich gravy drizzle. They’re perfect for potlucks or buffets where guests can serve themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mama’s Cornbread Dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to wrap the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container to keep them from drying out. The flavors only deepen as it sits!

Freezing

Dressing is a wonderful make-ahead option. Once cooled, cut into portions and wrap each one tightly or tuck them into a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they keep well for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat Mama’s Cornbread Dressing, place slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth before baking if it seems a bit dry. For quick single servings, a minute or two in the microwave works well too.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cornbread for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing?

Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just be sure it’s a little on the dry side, since too much moisture can make the dressing gummy.

What if I want to add meat to the dressing?

Go for it! Cooked, shredded chicken or turkey makes Mama’s Cornbread Dressing extra hearty. Just stir in 1 to 2 cups right before baking for a main-course twist on this beloved side.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth?

Yes! Swap the chicken broth for a rich, flavorful vegetable broth. Look for low-sodium versions so the seasoning shines, and consider adding extra herbs for depth.

Can I make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free cornbread and gluten-free sandwich bread in place of the regular versions. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

What’s the best way to keep the dressing from drying out when reheating?

Reheat the dressing covered and add a splash of broth to the dish before warming. This keeps moisture locked in and gives you that fresh-from-the-oven tenderness every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Mama’s Cornbread Dressing—every crumble and herb-scented bite is like a big hug on your plate. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or just because, I hope you’ll share it with those you love and make some new memories along the way!

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy dinner. This comforting recipe combines crumbled cornbread and white bread with savory seasonings and vegetables, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

1 (9×13-inch) pan of baked cornbread crumbled

White Bread:

6 cups day-old white bread torn into pieces

Vegetables:

1 medium onion finely chopped
3 celery stalks finely chopped

Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

Broth:

3 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)

Eggs:

2 large eggs beaten

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until tender.
Mix Ingredients: Combine crumbled cornbread, white bread, sautéed vegetables, seasonings in a bowl.
Add Broth and Eggs: Whisk together chicken broth and eggs, then pour over bread mixture. Stir to combine.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.