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

  • 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)

  • 2 cups chopped onions

  • 2 cups chopped celery

  • ½ cup butter

  • 2–3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired moistness)

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon sage (optional but traditional)

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread

  • If not using leftover cornbread, bake your favorite cornbread recipe and let it cool.

  • Crumble into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Sauté onions and celery until tender, about 7–10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

  • Add the sautéed onions and celery (along with the butter) to the crumbled cornbread.

  • Stir in the eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, pepper, and baking powder.

  • Gradually add chicken broth, stirring gently, until the mixture is moist but not soupy.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

💡 Notes & Tips

  • Extra flavor: Add cooked chopped chicken or turkey directly into the dressing.

  • Customize moisture: Use more broth for a softer dressing or less for a firmer texture.

  • 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?

  • Cornbread: Provides the sweet-savory base.

  • Onion & celery: Classic aromatic vegetables for moisture and flavor.

  • Butter & broth: Balance richness and moisture.

  • Seasonings: Poultry seasoning and sage give traditional holiday flavor.

Substitutions:

  • Use light butter to reduce W-W points.

  • Swap low-sodium vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Add-Ins:

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.

  • Diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork.

  • Pair with gravy or cranberry sauce for a holiday feast.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze baked dressing for up to 2 months.

  • 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!

By Admin

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