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+ servings

Cornbread Dressing Recipe

This cornbread dressing is so easy to make! You can use my homemade cornbread, your own recipe, jiffy cornbread mix or for a quick option, use store bought corn muffins.
Course Dinner
Cuisine soul food, Southern American
Keyword cornbread dressing, cornbread dressing recipe, soul food cornbread dressing
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 9 people
Author April Boller Wright

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup celery  sliced
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 tbsp garlic finely minced

Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh chopped sage
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Cornbread dressing mixture

  • 2 cups chicken broth I used Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
  • 7 cups cubed cornbread use day old cornbread *see notes below*
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper for taste
  • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning

Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add the onions and celery. Saute until softened about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Pour cubed cornbread into a large bowl. Crumble cornbread (I like to leave some bigger chunks for texture). In the video you can see how I chopped them up with the wooden spoon.
  • In a smaller bowl, add the eggs. Whisk until combined then add all of the seasonings.
  • Pour heavy cream into the bowl with the cornbread. Mix to combine. Slowly add in some broth and stir until you reach your desired texture.
  • Pour the cornbread mixture into a 3 qt baking dish. Bake until golden brown about 30-35 minutes.

Video

Notes

 
  • If you prefer a less sweeter cornbread cut the sugar amount in half when using my cornbread recipe.
     
  • For a dryer cornbread use less broth. For a more moisture, add a bit more if needed. I used 2 full cups of broth. Just remember less is more. You can always add more broth if needed but you can't take it away.   
Chicken broth - Use either homemade chicken broth or store bought. I like to use Better Than Bouillon Chicken base. Chicken broth not only adds flavor to your dressing, but it also provides moisture.
Too little broth and the cornbread dressing will turn out dry. Too much and it will be soggy. Some people prefer their dressing a bit on the dryer side and others like theirs more moist. So do as you please. 
Making cornbread dressing in advance is a great way to save time during a busy holiday season! Here’s how you can prepare it ahead of time while keeping it fresh and flavorful:

Prepare the Cornbread

Bake your cornbread a day or two before assembling the dressing.
Let it cool completely, then crumble it into pieces. Store the crumbles in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Cook Other Ingredients

Prepare any additional ingredients like sautéed onions, celery, and herbs (e.g., sage, thyme, parsley) ahead of time.
Cook any meats (if using), such as sausage, and store them in the fridge.

Assemble the Dressing

Combine the crumbled cornbread with cooked ingredients, seasonings, and broth as you would normally.
Place the mixture into a greased baking dish but  (do not bake yet). Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Refrigerate / Freeze

Refrigerator (for 1-2 days):If you’re baking the dressing within a couple of days, store the unbaked mixture in the fridge. Make sure it’s tightly covered to avoid drying out.
Freezer (for up to 3 months):If you need to prepare it far in advance, freeze the unbaked dressing. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Baking Instructions:

From the Refrigerator: Remove the dish from the fridge 30-60 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. Preheat the oven and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes or until heated through and golden brown on top.
From the Freezer: Let the dressing thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Bake at 375°F for 40-60 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
This method ensures you have delicious, ready-to-bake cornbread dressing with less stress on the big day!