If there’s one dish that says Southern comfort and holiday tradition all in one bite, it’s Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. Moist, savory, and baked to golden perfection, this recipe is everything you remember from childhood Thanksgiving dinners — warm, buttery, and filled with love.
Every Southern family has their own version of cornbread dressing, often passed down through generations. This one is simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious — just like Mama used to make.
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Traditional Southern Flavor: Classic cornbread, rich broth, and just the right amount of sage.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family feast.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare it the night before and bake when you’re ready.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Moist on the inside, golden on top, and full of homemade goodness.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cornbread (or use pre-made):
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
(Or use about 6–8 cups of crumbled, day-old cornbread.)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups crumbled cornbread
- 3 cups day-old white bread, torn into pieces
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (add more if needed)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp dried sage (or more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cornbread (if not using pre-made)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Pour into a greased 8-inch baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then crumble into large pieces.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion and celery over medium heat until tender (about 5–7 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, torn white bread, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten eggs, then gradually pour in the broth — mix gently until everything is moist but not soupy.
3. Bake to Perfection
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
🍗 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roast turkey and gravy for the ultimate holiday plate.
- Serve alongside pork chops or baked chicken for a cozy Sunday dinner.
- Add a ladle of giblet gravy for a true Southern experience.
🌿 Pro Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread — it soaks up the broth perfectly without getting soggy.
- Prep the mixture a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste — some Southern cooks like more sage, others prefer a touch of thyme.
- For extra richness, mix in a few tablespoons of butter before baking.
✨ Variations
- Add Shredded Chicken: Turn this into a full one-pan meal.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
- Traditional Twist: Add chopped boiled eggs before baking — a Southern classic touch!
💬 Why This Recipe Works
This dressing is the perfect balance of moist, flavorful, and comforting — thanks to a mix of cornbread and white bread, seasoned broth, and that unmistakable touch of sage. It bakes up tender and golden, with a soft middle and crisp edges.
It’s a recipe that not only fills your kitchen with incredible aromas but also your heart with nostalgia.
❤️ Final Thoughts
“Mama’s Cornbread Dressing” isn’t just a dish — it’s a Southern tradition. Whether you’re cooking it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply when you’re missing home, it delivers that familiar warmth that makes everyone feel loved and welcome.
So pull out your favorite baking dish, gather your family around, and enjoy this timeless holiday classic — one golden, buttery bite at a time.
