If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food to bring family and friends together, look no further than this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. It’s a beloved classic that perfectly balances the crumbly, slightly sweet texture of cornbread with savory herbs, tender vegetables, and rich soup bases, all baked beside a succulent turkey breast. This dish is the heart and soul of any Southern holiday table, delivering a warm, inviting aroma and a taste that will make you feel right at home. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to soul-satisfying dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe, you’ll be working with straightforward, staple ingredients that come together in a way that elevates each flavor. Each item adds its own texture, moisture, or seasoning magic to achieve the perfect harmony this dish is known for.
- 3 (9-inch) pans cornbread: The base that brings crumbly sweetness and the essential Southern touch.
- 3 pieces wheat bread: Adds structure and helps soak up all the lovely broth without becoming mushy.
- 1 onion: Provides a subtle, savory foundation when finely chopped, offering depth and aroma.
- 3 stalks celery: Adds a crisp, fresh note and a bit of texture contrast.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings richness and that signature creaminess.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Contributes earthy flavor and smooth texture.
- 2 (15-oz) cans chicken stock: Essential for moistening the dressing and imparting a savory background.
- 1 cup water: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the dressing.
- 2 eggs: Act as the binder that holds everything together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and provides balance.
- 1 to 2 tsp sage (to taste): Adds that unmistakable herbal note that makes Southern dressing so special.
- 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in turkey breast or turkey: The crown jewel of the recipe, roasting directly on top to infuse flavor.
How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This temperature is ideal for baking the dressing thoroughly while ensuring your turkey breast cooks to juicy perfection. Setting the stage with the right temperature will help the flavors meld beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Chop and Combine Ingredients
Finely chop the onion and celery, either by hand or for ease, in a food processor. Crumble the cornbread and wheat bread into a large mixing bowl to create the perfect coarse texture that will soak up all the savory liquids without turning soggy. Add the chopped veggies to the bread mixture along with the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken stock, water, eggs, salt, pepper, and sage. Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated and the mixture is evenly moistened, setting the stage for the best texture and taste.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the dressing mixture to your turkey roasting pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the bone-in turkey breast gently on top of the dressing. This method allows the turkey to baste the dressing as it cooks, infusing the whole dish with incredible flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dressing with foil to keep it moist but leave the turkey breast uncovered to allow that beautiful skin to crisp up. Bake in your preheated oven until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, which should take about 2 hours. This slow, steady cook time gives you a perfectly cooked turkey and a deeply flavorful dressing.
How to Serve Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme scattered over the top just before serving add a burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the sage in the dressing. You might also sprinkle a light dusting of paprika to bring warmth and visual appeal to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe shines best alongside classic Southern sides such as green bean casserole, candied yams, or collard greens. A rich turkey gravy or cranberry sauce pairs beautifully, adding moisture and tangy contrast to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, try baking your dressing in individual ramekins for guests or family members. This not only looks charming but also ensures everyone gets a personal portion with a crispy top. Alternatively, serve the dressing as a stuffing for the turkey or alongside as a flavorful casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dressing even tastier the next day—perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled dressing in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its savory moisture and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dressing covered in the oven at 350ºF for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken stock before reheating can help restore any lost moisture, keeping your dressing just as delicious as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken stock and turkey with vegetable stock and mushrooms or a plant-based alternative to maintain the rich, savory flavors while keeping it vegetarian.
What is the best type of cornbread to use?
For authentic texture and flavor, homemade or store-bought Southern-style cornbread with a slightly crumbly, moist texture works best. Avoid super-sweet cornbread varieties as they can overpower the dressing’s savory balance.
Can I prepare this recipe without turkey?
Yes, the dressing itself is fantastic on its own and can be baked in a casserole dish when no turkey is available. You might want to increase the seasoning slightly to boost the flavor.
Is it necessary to cover the dressing with foil while baking?
Covering the dressing helps keep it moist and prevents it from drying out during the long bake. Leaving the turkey uncovered allows the skin to crisp and develop color. It’s a simple step that ensures the best results!
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers of this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store them in airtight containers to retain freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a beloved Southern tradition to your table, this Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe is your chance to create a heartwarming dish that will impress everyone. It’s comforting, flavorful, and genuinely made with love in every bite. Don’t hesitate—grab those simple ingredients and start cooking your way to some of the best memories around the dinner table.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a classic and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals, especially when paired with roasted turkey. It features a savory blend of crumbled cornbread and wheat bread, aromatic onions and celery, creamy soups, and flavorful seasonings, all baked together beneath a succulent bone-in turkey breast for a rich, moist result. The dressing absorbs the savory juices from the turkey, creating a deeply satisfying and traditional Southern flavor.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 (9-inch) pans cornbread, crumbled
- 3 pieces wheat bread, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup
- 2 (15-oz) cans chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 tsp sage, to taste
Turkey
- 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in turkey breast or turkey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the dressing and turkey.
- Prepare Vegetables and Bread: Use a food processor to chop the onion and celery finely. Crumble the cornbread and wheat bread into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Dressing: Add the chopped onion and celery to the bowl with the crumbled breads. Then stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken stock, water, eggs, salt, pepper, and sage. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble in Roasting Pan: Transfer the dressing mixture to a turkey roasting pan. Smooth it out evenly. Place the bone-in turkey breast on top of the dressing, uncovered.
- Bake: Cover the dressing with foil, making sure to leave the turkey breast uncovered. Bake in the preheated oven until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, which should take about 2 hours.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Let the turkey breast rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon the dressing alongside the turkey and enjoy your classic Southern meal.
Notes
- Use unsalted soups and chicken stock to control sodium levels and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Sage is a key seasoning that gives this dressing its distinctive flavor; adjust quantity to your preference.
- If you prefer, you can add cooked sausage or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
