Name: Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 (9×9-inch) pan cornbread crumbled; 6 slices day-old white bread torn into small pieces; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 2 celery stalks finely chopped; 3 large eggs lightly beaten; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re longing for a comforting, savory holiday classic, look no further than Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. This dish captures the spirit of Southern gatherings—moist, golden-topped, and brimming with gently seasoned cornbread, tender veggies, and just the right touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or simply because you crave warmth on your plate, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate old-fashioned side dish that never fails to delight.

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Mama’s Cornbread Dressing requires a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics, but each ingredient plays a vital role. The beauty of this recipe is how the simplest elements—each with a unique flavor or texture—meld together to create that soft center and toasty crust everyone craves. Here’s why every component matters:

Cornbread: A 9×9-inch pan’s worth, crumbled. Try to make it a day in advance for better texture—it soaks up flavors beautifully.
Day-old white bread: Six slices, torn into pieces. The soft, mild contrast to the cornbread keeps the dressing from becoming too dense.
Onion: One medium, finely chopped, for a savory undertone—use sweet onion if you prefer a milder bite.
Celery: Two stalks, finely chopped. These add freshness and just the right crunch to every mouthful.
Eggs: Three large, lightly beaten, to bind everything together and create the dressing’s beloved pudding-like quality.
Chicken broth: Three cups. This is where the magic happens, moistening each crumb without drowning it—swap for vegetable broth if you need a vegetarian version.
Unsalted butter: Half a cup, melted. It adds richness and depth, and helps develop that craveable golden top.
Poultry seasoning: One teaspoon brings classic dressing flavor—in a pinch, a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary can substitute.
Dried sage: One teaspoon, for the signature herbal aroma that says “it’s the holidays.”
Salt: Half a teaspoon, so every bite pops with flavor.
Black pepper: Half a teaspoon rounds everything out, adding gentle heat to each forkful.

How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—give it a good preheat to ensure your dressing bakes up evenly. Lay out your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray. This step helps guarantee those coveted crispy edges that everyone fights for at the table.

Step 2: Combine the Breads

In a large mixing bowl, crumble your homemade or store-bought cornbread (ideally made yesterday—it holds up better). Add in the torn pieces of day-old white bread. The pairing of these two gives Mama’s Cornbread Dressing its perfect, fluffy-yet-moist texture.

Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies

Sprinkle in the chopped onion and celery, stirring gently to distribute them throughout the bread. These veggies will soften into the mixture, lending deliciously sweet and savory notes to every bite. If you want an extra layer of flavor, go ahead and sauté the onion and celery in a bit of butter first.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then stir them into the bread mixture along with the chicken broth and melted butter. Add your poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until combined—the mixture should be moist, but not soupy. This is where the scent of the holidays starts to fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Transfer the dressing mixture into your prepared baking dish, patting it down gently so it’s even. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top will turn golden and just set in the center, while the edges develop that irresistible crunch you crave in Mama’s Cornbread Dressing.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once it’s baked through, let your cornbread dressing cool slightly—this helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, the wait is worth it! The aroma alone will bring everyone bounding to the table.

How to Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra grinds of black pepper right before serving gives Mama’s Cornbread Dressing a vibrant look and a hint of freshness. For extra southern flair, top it with a little crumbled cooked bacon or a spoonful of turkey gravy—either way, it’s as inviting as it gets.

Side Dishes

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing feels right at home beside roasted turkey, of course, but don’t stop there! Picture it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry relish, or even simple green beans with almonds. The beauty of this dish is how it complements both the grandest holiday spreads and casual weeknight suppers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the dressing in individual ramekins for a fun, personal twist—perfect for dinner parties! Or spoon heaping mounds into lettuce cups for a lighter, eye-catching appetizer. However you serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing, it’s guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Mama’s Cornbread Dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply wrap your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The flavors will deepen as it sits, so leftovers are never a bad thing!

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze the baked and cooled dressing. Cut it into squares, wrap them well, and freeze for up to two months. When that craving strikes or you need a quick holiday side, you’ll be ready in minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your dressing with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes for a whole pan, less for small portions). For a crispier top, uncover for the last ten minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven maintains that signature texture best.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free cornbread and bread. The results are every bit as comforting and flavorful as the original.

How can I add protein to make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing a main dish?

For a heartier meal, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or browned sausage before baking. It transforms the dressing into a satisfying casserole that stands proudly on its own.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

Dried sage and poultry seasoning keep things classic and easy, but feel free to add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh parsley, thyme, or sage are all lovely.

Can I assemble Mama’s Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! Mix everything and spread into your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This is a lifesaver when planning for crowds or big holidays.

What if my dressing seems too dry or too moist once mixed?

If it looks dry, simply drizzle in a little more broth before baking. If it’s overly wet, scatter in more bread crumbs or cornbread to soak up the extra liquid. This dish is extremely forgiving!

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely special about making Mama’s Cornbread Dressing from scratch, feeling the aromas warm your kitchen and watching smiles spread around your table. Whether you’re carrying on family tradition or starting a new one, give this classic a try—you’ll be part of something deliciously timeless!

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This classic Mama’s Cornbread Dressing recipe is a Southern favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a combination of cornbread, white bread, onions, celery, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to be a hit on your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread:

1 (9×9-inch) pan cornbread crumbled

White Bread:

6 slices day-old white bread torn into small pieces

Vegetables:

1 medium onion finely chopped
2 celery stalks finely chopped

Other Ingredients:

3 large eggs lightly beaten
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, torn white bread, onion, and celery. Add eggs, chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.