Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! As someone who deeply appreciates the heart and soul of Southern cooking, there’s one dish that stands out as the ultimate symbol of comfort and tradition: Granna’s Cornbread Dressing. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a creamy, savory, herbaceous masterpiece that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia, often taking center stage at holiday tables and family gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that gets passed down through generations, and today, I’m sharing my take on this beloved Southern classic.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a dish that embodies warmth, family, and incredible flavor? I am absolutely obsessed with Granna’s Cornbread Dressing because it truly captures the essence of Southern comfort food. The combination of crumbly, buttery cornbread with savory vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken (or turkey) steeped in rich broth creates a moist, flavorful, and utterly satisfying experience. It’s a dish that fills your home with the most inviting aromas and your heart with pure joy. While it feels special, it’s surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for holidays or any time you crave a taste of tradition. Every spoonful is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
The Heart of Southern Holiday Feasts: Cornbread Dressing
Cornbread dressing (often called “stuffing” outside the South, though purists will distinguish between baking inside the bird versus in a casserole dish) is a cornerstone of Southern American cuisine, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its origins are deeply tied to the availability of cornmeal, a staple grain in the South, and the resourcefulness of home cooks. Unlike bread stuffings which use white bread, cornbread dressing builds its foundation on a rich, often savory, cornbread base.
The dressing is then enriched with a medley of aromatic vegetables (like celery and onion), poultry broth, and sometimes eggs or cream for moisture and binding. Traditional recipes often include chopped pecans or hard-boiled eggs. The result is a moist, savory, and incredibly flavorful casserole that complements roasted poultry beautifully. Granna’s Cornbread Dressing pays homage to this cherished culinary heritage, emphasizing that homemade touch and deep, comforting flavors that make it an indispensable part of Southern holiday meals.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and classic Southern Cornbread Dressing:
For the Cornbread:
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional, for extra umami)
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken or turkey (from roasted bird, or rotisserie chicken)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Cornbread: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet yields the best cornbread for dressing. Make sure your cornbread is completely cooled, preferably day-old, before crumbling. This helps it absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. You can use your favorite cornbread recipe, just ensure it’s not too sweet.
- Chicken/Turkey: Cooked and shredded chicken or turkey (especially from a roasted bird like my These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays) adds incredible flavor and moistness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the saltiness. Good quality homemade stock works wonders here.
- Vegetables: Onion and celery are standard. Mushrooms (as in my Mushroom Rice Recipe for umami inspiration) add a lovely earthy depth, though they are optional for a classic dressing.
- Herbs: Sage and thyme are the quintessential dressing herbs. You can adjust the amounts to your preference. Poultry seasoning can also be used.
- Eggs (in dressing): The eggs help bind the dressing and contribute to its moist texture.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are a classic Southern addition, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s bake this Southern tradition!
Part 1: Bake the Cornbread (Can be done 1-2 days in advance)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Mix Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake Cornbread: Pour batter into prepared skillet/dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Crumble: Let cornbread cool completely. Crumble it into a large bowl. Set aside.
Part 2: Assemble and Bake the Dressing
- Preheat Oven: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add Herbs & Chicken: Stir in dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked, shredded chicken or turkey to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Combine with Cornbread: Add the sautéed vegetable and chicken mixture to the bowl with the crumbled cornbread. Toss gently to combine.
- Add Liquid & Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the 6 cups of chicken broth with the 2 lightly beaten eggs. Pour this liquid mixture over the cornbread and vegetable mixture. Add pecans (if using). Stir gently until all the cornbread is moistened. The mixture will be quite wet.
- Transfer & Bake: Pour the dressing mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the dressing is golden brown on top and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Dry Cornbread is Key: Use day-old or thoroughly cooled cornbread. This helps it absorb the broth without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Skimp on Broth: Dressing needs plenty of liquid to be moist and tender.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Broths vary in saltiness, and you’ll want to ensure the dressing is well-seasoned.
- Patience with Sautéing Veggies: Cooking the aromatics until soft and flavorful builds the foundation of a delicious dressing.
- For Extra Flavor: Toasting the pecans briefly before adding them to the dressing enhances their nuttiness.
- Make Ahead: Dressing is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Granna’s Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate holiday side, but it also complements other hearty meals:
- Roasted Poultry: The quintessential pairing for roasted turkey or chicken. Consider serving it with a roasted chicken inspired by my These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- Gravy: A generous drizzle of homemade turkey or chicken gravy is a must!
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a wonderful contrast.
- Other Southern Sides: Serve alongside classics like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or collard greens.
- Hearty Main Dishes: Can be a side to other comforting mains like my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: Iced tea, sparkling cider, or a light-bodied red wine.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Granna’s Cornbread Dressing makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Cornbread dressing freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this comforting and traditional Southern dish, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another deep, comforting bowl with Southern flavors, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you love quick and flavorful skillet dinners, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- For another crowd-pleasing classic, my This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is a delicious option.
- And for a general Southern-inspired main dish, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is excellent.
Final Thoughts
Granna’s Cornbread Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished Southern tradition, a dish that embodies warmth, family, and incredibly comforting flavors. It’s truly a labor of love that rewards you with an unforgettable culinary experience, making it an indispensable part of any holiday table or a comforting meal any time of year.
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every savory, tender bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new tradition in your household, or what your favorite holiday side dishes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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