If you’ve ever sat down to a holiday dinner and taken that first bite of warm, buttery, herb-scented dressing , you know what pure comfort tastes like.
For me, that flavor is tied to Mama’s cornbread dressing — a recipe so beloved in our family, I make it more than a dozen times a year .
Not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas — but for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and anytime someone says, “Please bring the dressing.”
Often called “stuffing” (even though it’s baked separately), this Southern classic is a flavor-packed masterpiece made with:
- Homemade crumbled cornbread
- Savory sautéed onions and celery
- Rich chicken broth
- Fresh sage and thyme
- A touch of butter that makes it golden and irresistible
It’s crispy on the edges, tender in the center , and so full of soul, it might just be the most requested dish at your table .
Let’s dive into how to make Mama’s foolproof cornbread dressing — and why it’s the heart of every family meal .
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Dressing
✅ Rich, savory, and deeply comforting
✅ Better than boxed or canned versions
✅ Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners
✅ Can be made ahead and frozen
✅ Crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters love it
This isn’t just a side dish — it’s a heirloom recipe passed down with love.
Mama’s Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe
🧑🍳 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the cornbread:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the dressing:
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread (from above)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2–2.5 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
🍞 Instructions
1. Make the cornbread (1 day ahead or same day)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt).
- In another bowl, beat milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Mix wet into dry until just combined.
- Pour into pan and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely, then crumble into large bowl. Let dry overnight for best texture.
2. Sauté the vegetables
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery. Cook 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
3. Mix the dressing
- Pour the hot veggie mixture over the cornbread crumbs.
- Gradually add warm broth, stirring gently until moistened but not soggy (you may not need all the broth).
4. Bake
- Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes .
- Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until top is golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra broth or gravy before serving.
Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing
🔥 Make cornbread ahead – Drying it overnight gives the best texture
🔥 Don’t skip the butter – It’s what makes it rich and golden
🔥 Use fresh herbs – They make a huge flavor difference
🔥 Moisten just right – Too much broth = mushy; too little = dry
🔥 Crispy top trick – Broil 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!)
Ways to Customize Your Dressing
Love the base? Try these fun twists:
- 🥓 Add sausage – Browned breakfast or Italian sausage adds richness
- 🍎 Apple & Pecan – Fold in diced apples and toasted pecans for sweetness and crunch
- 🌿 Vegetarian Version – Use veggie broth and skip meat
- 🍗 Chicken & Herb – Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper
What to Serve With Cornbread Dressing
This dish is a holiday centerpiece , but it’s great year-round with:
- Roast turkey, chicken, or ham
- Green bean casserole or collard greens
- Cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes
- A glass of sweet tea or apple cider
Perfect for:
- Thanksgiving & Christmas
- Sunday dinners
- Meal prep (reheats beautifully!)
- Freezing for future holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes — but homemade tastes better and soaks up broth more evenly.
👉 Pro Tip: Toast store-bought cornbread in the oven to dry it out.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 2 days. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time.
❓ Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven.
❓ Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free flour and broth — traditional recipe contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is more than a recipe — it’s a taste of home, family, and tradition .
With its crispy crust, fluffy center, and fragrant herbs , it’s no wonder this dish is baked dozens of times a year in homes just like mine.
So whether it’s Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or just a craving for comfort — make a batch of this golden, soul-warming dressing .
Because some recipes aren’t just food.
They’re love, baked into every bite .