Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing (Mama’s Way)

By: Rabia

The smell of onions, celery, and cornbread baking together always takes me right back to Mama’s kitchen. Some folks say it’s not dressing without giblets, but Mama never used them — and no one ever complained. Every holiday, this golden, buttery dressing sat right beside the turkey — soft in the middle, crispy on top, and filled with love.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

  • Serves: 8–10

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 pan baked cornbread, crumbled

  • 2 cups breadcrumbs (white or wheat)

  • 1 cup onion, chopped

  • 1 cup celery, chopped

  • ½ cup butter or margarine

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2–3 cups chicken broth (or more for a moist texture)

  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp sage (optional)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

  2. Sauté veggies: Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant.

  3. Mix everything: In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, breadcrumbs, sautéed veggies, beaten eggs, broth, and seasonings. Stir gently until the mixture is moist and slightly soupy — this helps it stay soft inside after baking.

  4. Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

  5. Finish crisping: Uncover and bake another 10 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

  6. Serve: Enjoy warm with gravy or cranberry sauce — it’s the taste of Southern comfort in every bite.

🌟 Tips & Variations

  • Add a handful of cooked sausage or diced turkey for a heartier version.

  • Use day-old cornbread — it holds up better to the broth and keeps the texture perfect.

  • Want a richer flavor? Swap chicken broth for turkey stock.

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Rabia
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