This isn’t stuffing made with white bread cubes. In my world, stuffing comes from a box. This is cornbread dressing—Southern-style, savory, tender on the inside, with golden crispy edges, and loaded with tradition.
I’ve tweaked and tested it over the years—sometimes with giblets, sometimes without—but what I’m sharing today is the version that satisfies the craving without the duck, without the drama, and still with all the soul.
🛒 Ingredients for the Real Deal
1 pan of homemade cornbread, crumbled
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup unsalted butter
2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth, more as needed
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage (or to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped boiled eggs, giblets, or crumbled sausage
📝 For best results, bake your cornbread a day ahead so it’s dry enough to absorb broth without turning mushy.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Cornbread
Crumble day-old cornbread into a large bowl. You want it broken into bite-sized pieces—not too fine. - Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions and celery until soft and fragrant—about 6–8 minutes. - Mix It All Together
Add sautéed vegetables to the cornbread. Stir in the broth, eggs, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until moist but not soupy. Add more broth if needed—it should hold together when pressed but not drip. - Bake Until Golden
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is just set.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
Use homemade cornbread (not sweet Northern-style) for best flavor and texture.
Customize it: Add sausage, boiled eggs, or chopped giblets for richness.
Don’t skip the eggs—they help bind the dressing without turning it dense.
Make ahead: Assemble a day early and bake just before serving.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Cornbread dressing isn’t just a side dish. It’s a memory, a legacy, and a love language. Whether you’re still riding the Thanksgiving wave or just craving a taste of tradition, this dish deserves more than a once-a-year spotlight.
🥘 What’s Your Family’s Dressing Tradition?
Do you use giblets? Add sausage? Bake in cast iron? Share your story in the comments—because everyone has a dressing tale worth telling.