Mama's Cornbread Dressing
Creamy, comforting, and full of homey flavor, Mama's Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate cozy complement to roast turkey or a simple weeknight chicken.
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread preferably day-old
- 4 cups day-old white bread torn into small pieces
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery diced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth room temperature, plus more if needed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage or to taste
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or turkey optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming but not browned.
- Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and torn white bread, tossing gently so the pieces are evenly mixed.
- Pour the cooked vegetables and melted butter over the bread mixture, stirring gently to distribute the veggies and butter.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is moistened but not soupy. You may not need all 4 cups depending on the dryness of your bread.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, and dried sage. Mix thoroughly but gently so all ingredients are combined.
- If using, fold in the cooked, shredded chicken or turkey now, making sure it’s evenly distributed through the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Pack lightly — don’t compress too much.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best results. Control moisture by adding broth gradually. Customize with additional ingredients like sausage or nuts.