Moist, savory, and full of aromatic herbs, this traditional cornbread dressing is a must-have for your holiday table or Sunday dinner. Made with tender sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and just the right touch of sage!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Dietary Tags: Holiday, Comfort Food, Southern Cuisine
📝 Ingredients
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6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
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2 cups chopped onions
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2 cups chopped celery
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½ cup butter
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2–3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moistness)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
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1 teaspoon sage (optional but traditional)
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread
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If not using leftover cornbread, bake your favorite cornbread recipe and let it cool.
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Crumble into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
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Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onions and celery until tender, about 7–10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
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Add the sautéed onions and celery (along with the butter) to the crumbled cornbread.
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Stir in the eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
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Gradually add chicken broth, stirring gently, until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
Step 4: Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Extra flavor: Add cooked chopped chicken or turkey directly into the dressing.
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Customize moisture: Use more broth for a softer dressing or less for a firmer texture.
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Pro tip: Stir in a few tablespoons of turkey drippings or cream of chicken soup for even richer flavor.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photos: crumbling cornbread → sautéing vegetables → mixing dressing → filling baking dish → baked dressing)
Pro Tip: Let the baked dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set perfectly.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Cornbread: Provides the sweet-savory base.
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Onion & celery: Classic aromatic vegetables for moisture and flavor.
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Butter & broth: Balance richness and moisture.
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Seasonings: Poultry seasoning and sage give traditional holiday flavor.
Substitutions:
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Use light butter to reduce W-W points.
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Swap low-sodium vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
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Diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork.
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Pair with gravy or cranberry sauce for a holiday feast.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze baked dressing for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate for 10 servings)**
Calories: ~210 kcal | Protein: ~5g | Carbs: ~20g | Fat: ~12g
W-W Points (per serving with full butter and regular broth):
➡️ 7 Points
Lightened version (using light butter and reduced-fat broth):
➡️ 5 Points
W-W Points may vary depending on the cornbread recipe, broth type, and exact brands used. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Wheat (cornbread), Egg, Dairy (butter)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble the dressing up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free cornbread and ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add sausage or bacon?
A: Absolutely! Browned sausage or cooked bacon adds great flavor but will increase W-W points.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This cornbread dressing is inspired by my family’s Southern holiday traditions. It’s a recipe passed down through generations—always making an appearance at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I love how easy it is to adjust to personal tastes while keeping the classic flavors intact.
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you make this cornbread dressing? Did you keep it classic or add your own twist? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!