If you’ve ever sat down to a holiday dinner and taken that first bite of warm, buttery, herb-scented dressing , you know what pure comfort tastes like.
For me, that flavor is tied to Mama’s cornbread dressing — a recipe so beloved in our family, I make it more than a dozen times a year .
Not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas — but for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and anytime someone says, “Please bring the dressing.”
Often called “stuffing” (even though it’s baked separately), this Southern classic is a flavor-packed masterpiece made with:
Homemade crumbled cornbread
Savory sautéed onions and celery
Rich chicken broth
Fresh sage and thyme
A touch of butter that makes it golden and irresistible
It’s crispy on the edges, tender in the center , and so full of soul, it might just be the most requested dish at your table .
Let’s dive into how to make Mama’s foolproof cornbread dressing — and why it’s the heart of every family meal .
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Dressing
✅ Rich, savory, and deeply comforting
✅ Better than boxed or canned versions
✅ Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners
✅ Can be made ahead and frozen
✅ Crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters love it
This isn’t just a side dish — it’s a heirloom recipe passed down with love.
Mama’s Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe
🧑🍳 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the cornbread:
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted butter
For the dressing:
8 cups crumbled cornbread (from above)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
2–2.5 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is more than a recipe — it’s a taste of home, family, and tradition .
With its crispy crust, fluffy center, and fragrant herbs , it’s no wonder this dish is baked dozens of times a year in homes just like mine.
So whether it’s Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or just a craving for comfort — make a batch of this golden, soul-warming dressing .
Because some recipes aren’t just food.
They’re love, baked into every bite .
🍞 Instructions
1. Make the cornbread (1 day ahead or same day)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt).
In another bowl, beat milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Mix wet into dry until just combined.
Pour into pan and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
Cool completely, then crumble into large bowl. Let dry overnight for best texture.
2. Sauté the vegetables
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and celery. Cook 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
3. Mix the dressing
Pour the hot veggie mixture over the cornbread crumbs.
Gradually add warm broth, stirring gently until moistened but not soggy (you may not need all the broth).
4. Bake
Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes .
Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until top is golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Optional: Drizzle with extra broth or gravy before serving.
Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
🔥 Make cornbread ahead – Drying it overnight gives the best texture
🔥 Don’t skip the butter – It’s what makes it rich and golden
🔥 Use fresh herbs – They make a huge flavor difference
🔥 Moisten just right – Too much broth = mushy; too little = dry
🔥 Crispy top trick – Broil 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!)
Ways to Customize Your Dressing
Love the base? Try these fun twists:
🥓 Add sausage – Browned breakfast or Italian sausage adds richness
🍎 Apple & Pecan – Fold in diced apples and toasted pecans for sweetness and crunch
🌿 Vegetarian Version – Use veggie broth and skip meat
🍗 Chicken & Herb – Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper
What to Serve With Cornbread Dressing
This dish is a holiday centerpiece , but it’s great year-round with:
Roast turkey, chicken, or ham
Green bean casserole or collard greens
Cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes
A glass of sweet tea or apple cider
Perfect for:
Thanksgiving & Christmas
Sunday dinners
Meal prep (reheats beautifully!)
Freezing for future holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes — but homemade tastes better and soaks up broth more evenly.
👉 Pro Tip: Toast store-bought cornbread in the oven to dry it out.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 2 days. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time.
❓ Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven.
❓ Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free flour and broth — traditional recipe contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is more than a recipe — it’s a taste of home, family, and tradition .
With its crispy crust, fluffy center, and fragrant herbs , it’s no wonder this dish is baked dozens of times a year in homes just like mine.
So whether it’s Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or just a craving for comfort — make a batch of this golden, soul-warming dressing .
Because some recipes aren’t just food.
They’re love, baked into every bite .
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