Elevate your meal with our Savory Cornbread Dressing recipe, a timeless side dish that’s perfect for holiday feasts and everyday dinners alike. Discover the warm and comforting flavors of this Southern classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of cornbread (approximately 8 cups when crumbled)
- 4 slices of day-old bread (white or wheat)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cornbread:
- Bake a batch of cornbread according to your favorite recipe or using a mix. Once baked, let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces until you have approximately 8 cups of crumbled cornbread.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Toast the Bread:
- Cut the day-old bread into small cubes.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly crisp but not browned. Set them aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Season and Combine:
- Add the dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom for a minute.
6. Mix with Cornbread and Bread Cubes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, toasted bread cubes, and the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture.
7. Add Broth and Eggs:
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while gently mixing. Ensure that the mixture is moist but not overly soggy.
- Stir in the beaten eggs, which will help bind the dressing.
8. Bake:
- Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Uncover and Continue Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is cooked through.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dressing from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve your comforting Savory Cornbread Dressing as a side dish to complement your main course.
Enhance your meal with the comforting flavors of our Savory Cornbread Dressing, a versatile side dish ideal for holiday gatherings and everyday dinners. This Southern classic combines crumbled cornbread, toasted bread cubes, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices to make a delectable accompaniment that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. This dressing adds a touch of Southern hospitality to any occasion, whether served alongside roast turkey, grilled chicken, or as a standalone dish.