Few dishes say comfort and tradition quite like Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. This beloved Southern side dish is rich, savory, and packed with all the nostalgic flavors of the holidays. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations — and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Made with a mix of toasted bread and crumbled cornbread, fragrant sage, tender celery and onions, and a hearty splash of turkey broth, this dressing is more than a side — it’s a centerpiece. If you love our Southern Green Beans or Smothered Chicken, this dressing adds the perfect finishing touch to your soul food spread.
What is Mama’s Cornbread Dressing?
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern dish made with crumbled cornbread, toasted bread, and a flavorful blend of sautéed onions, celery, herbs, eggs, and rich turkey broth. It’s baked until golden and slightly crispy on top, while staying moist and tender inside. Think of it as stuffing’s deeply flavorful cousin — and as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Serve this once and it’ll be requested every year!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Dressing
Deeply Savory: With butter, sautéed veggies, and turkey broth, every bite is packed with holiday flavor.
Perfect Texture: Crispy edges, moist center, and just the right balance of bread and cornbread.
A Family Favorite: This dressing is a tradition in many homes, and it’s easy to see why. It’s comforting, delicious, and feeds a crowd.
If you’ve enjoyed our Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, this dressing is another must-have on your holiday menu. It’s pure Southern soul in every forkful.
How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
Quick Overview
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing comes together in just a few steps and bakes to golden perfection in the oven. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
- 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Turkey broth (as needed)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery, and cook until tender.
- Combine Breads: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled toasted bread and crumbled cornbread.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the sautéed onions and celery (with the butter) to the bread mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
- Add Broth & Eggs: Using a bulb baster or ladle, add enough turkey broth to moisten the mixture thoroughly. Stir in the beaten eggs.
- Bake: Pour the dressing into a greased baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
What to Serve with Cornbread Dressing
This Southern classic pairs perfectly with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Southern-style gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes
Round out your holiday spread with other classics like Deviled Eggs or Collard Greens.
Top Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
- Use Day-Old Bread: Both the bread and cornbread should be slightly dry for the best texture.
- Moisture is Key: Add enough broth to keep the dressing moist but not soupy.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked dressing to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dressing mixture for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
Can I add meat to the dressing?
Absolutely. Add cooked sausage, giblets, or chopped turkey for extra flavor.
Can I use chicken broth instead?
Yes, chicken broth is a great alternative to turkey broth.
What’s the difference between dressing and stuffing?
Stuffing is cooked inside the bird; dressing is baked separately. The flavors are similar, but the texture differs.
Conclusion
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing classic that belongs on every Southern holiday table. With its rich flavor, perfect texture, and nostalgic charm, it’s more than just a side dish — it’s a family tradition. Bake it once and it’ll become a holiday must-have for years to come.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
- 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Turkey broth (as needed to moisten)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and celery until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread and crumbled cornbread.
- Add sautéed vegetables (with butter) to the bread mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning.
- Add enough turkey broth to thoroughly moisten the mixture. Stir in the beaten eggs.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, mix in cooked sausage or chopped turkey. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze the unbaked mixture for up to 1 month.