Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it becomes the star of your holiday table, outshining even the main course. Our Cornbread Dressing is not just a recipe; it's a Southern tradition that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece of flavor and texture. With its golden-brown crispy edges, aromatic herbs, and rich, comforting taste, this dressing will have your guests begging for seconds and asking for the secret recipe.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Cornbread, crumbled
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Sage
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onions, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Crumble the cornbread into large mixing bowl, ensuring pieces are of varied sizes for texture.
- Add the sautéed celery and onions to the crumbled cornbread.
- Sprinkle dried sage and thyme over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute herbs and seasonings evenly.
- Gradually pour chicken broth into the mixture, stirring carefully. The consistency should be moist but not soggy - add broth incrementally to control moisture.
- Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and dressing to set.
Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture - slightly dried cornbread absorbs flavors better and creates a more authentic dressing.
- Control your broth carefully: Add it gradually to achieve the perfect moisture without making the dressing soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of turkey drippings.
- Don't overmix the ingredients - gently fold to maintain the cornbread's rustic texture.
- Let the dressing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
- For a richer version, you can add crumbled cooked sausage or diced giblets to the mixture.
- If you prefer a moister dressing, cover with foil for part of the baking time to prevent excessive browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
