Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Why This Dressing Is Different
What sets this Cornbread Dressing apart is the use of homemade cornbread as its base. Unlike store-bought mixes or plain white bread stuffing, cornbread lends a subtly sweet, hearty texture and a golden crust that crisps up beautifully during baking.
The dressing is more than just bread soaked in broth—it’s a savory custard, enriched with sautéed aromatics and herbs, that’s tender inside with a satisfying crunch on top and around the edges. The layers of flavor come from fresh vegetables, the careful seasoning, and the homemade cornbread that absorbs all those flavors without turning mushy.
This dressing balances comfort and elegance, nostalgia and nuance—making it the star of any holiday table.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread (you can make this a day ahead):
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Dressing:
- 1 batch homemade cornbread, crumbled into 4–5 cups (about 8 cups cubed)
- 1/2 loaf day-old white bread, crusts removed and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2–3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet for sautéing vegetables
- 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish
Instructions
1. Make the Cornbread (if not using pre-made)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely, then crumble into bite-sized pieces or cubes.
2. Prepare the Bread Base
- Combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread in a large bowl.
3. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Combine the Dressing
- Add sautéed vegetables to the bread mixture.
- Stir in chopped sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and beaten eggs.
- Gradually add the broth mixture to the bread, stirring gently to combine. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Add more broth as needed, a little at a time.
5. Bake the Dressing
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if not already.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the inside is set.
6. Serve
- Let the dressing rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- This allows the custard to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for the white bread portion. Fresh bread can make the dressing gummy.
- Don’t over-moisten the bread mixture; it should be wet enough to hold together but not soggy.
- Toasting the cornbread beforehand intensifies the flavor and helps create crisp edges.
- Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, but dried herbs work fine in a pinch.
- The butter-sautéed aromatics are crucial for adding savory depth.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy top, adding a little broth if it feels dry.
Cornbread Dressing is more than just a side—it’s a comforting ritual that brings warmth and richness to any meal. The golden edges and tender center make it unforgettable every time.
