Mama’s Cornbread Dressing – Classic Southern Recipe

Ready to bake the most flavorful and moist cornbread dressing ever?
In this recipe, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare Mama’s Cornbread Dressing, a Southern holiday favorite that’s rich, savory, and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups crumbled cornbread
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup chopped celery
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon dried sage (or more, depending on your taste)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Tip: For the best flavor, use homemade cornbread! Check out our easy cornbread recipe if you need a quick and delicious base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish lightly and set it aside.

2. Crumble and Set the Cornbread

In a large bowl, crumble your prepared cornbread into small, even pieces.

3. Sauté Vegetables

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, sautéing until soft and translucent (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Mix Everything Together

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with crumbled cornbread.
Add the chicken stock, beaten eggs, dried sage, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything gently until well combined.

Pro Tip: The mixture should be moist but not watery. Adjust chicken stock if needed!

5. Bake

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the dressing rest for about 5–10 minutes after baking before serving. Enjoy with roasted turkey, gravy, or on its own!

Expert Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

Use day-old cornbread: Fresh cornbread can be too soft. A day-old cornbread holds its structure and soaks up flavors beautifully.
Customize it: Add cooked sausage, chopped boiled eggs, pecans, or cranberries for extra texture and richness.
Season well: Sage is traditional, but you can also mix in thyme or poultry seasoning for a deeper herb flavor.

FAQs About Cornbread Dressing

Can I make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How do I keep cornbread dressing moist?

Make sure your mixture is well moistened before baking. If it’s too dry after baking, drizzle a bit of warm chicken stock over the top and reheat gently.

Can I freeze cornbread dressing?

Yes! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat covered with foil.

Serving Ideas

Pair this Southern cornbread dressing with:

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