Mama’s Heartwarming Cornbread Dressing Recipe: A Family Treasure

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when mama’s cornbread dressing slides onto holiday tables, carrying memories as rich as its savory ingredients.

Memories of grandmother’s hands mixing crumbled cornbread and herbs dance through generations.

Hearty and comforting, this classic side dish speaks volumes about family traditions.

Herbs and seasonings blend seamlessly, creating a delectable companion to roasted turkey or chicken.

Crisp edges and soft centers make every spoonful a nostalgic journey through southern culinary heritage.

Each bite connects you to cherished moments around the dinner table.

Dive into this recipe and recreate a slice of warm, delicious history that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes into Mamas Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients:

• Cornmeal: A key foundation that provides authentic Southern texture and flavor.
• Flour: Helps create structure and lightness in the cornbread.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness and helps tenderize the cornbread.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cornbread.

• Onion, Celery: Classic dressing vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and complexity to the dish.

• Sage, Thyme, Rosemary: Traditional herbs that provide classic holiday dressing flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Moistens the dressing and adds additional savory notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that brings a fresh, bright element to the dish.

• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the savory components.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.

Directions for Mamas Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Create Delicious Cornbread

Warm up your oven to a toasty 220C (425F).

Grab a 9-inch square baking pan and give it a quick grease to prevent sticking.

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cornbread cool completely before crumbling.

Step 2: Develop Flavorful Dressing Base

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aromatic flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the cooked vegetables.

Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until the mixture reaches a moist (but not soggy) consistency.

• Sage
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix in fresh parsley if desired, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Dressing to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 180C (350F).

Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased baking dish.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden brown and crispy top that promises delicious flavor and texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the dressing to the table piping hot, ready to complement your favorite main course.

Watch as family and friends dive into this classic Southern side dish with pure delight.

Tips to Master Mamas Cornbread Dressing

• Crumble the cornbread while it's slightly warm for better moisture absorption and easier mixing with other ingredients.
• Add broth gradually and gently mix to prevent the dressing from becoming too wet or too dry, ensuring a perfect consistency.
• Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense and aromatic flavors into the dressing.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and protein in the vegetarian version.
• Prepare cornbread and vegetables a day in advance, then assemble and bake the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness and convenience.

Storing Mamas Cornbread Dressing Right

• Store leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Spread dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of broth to maintain moisture. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

What Complements Mamas Cornbread Dressing

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings
• Boost Flavor with Roasted Turkey: A classic Southern-style roasted turkey creates the perfect protein companion, allowing the cornbread dressing's rich herbs and savory notes to shine brilliantly.
• Complement with Cranberry Sauce: Tangy, sweet cranberry sauce provides a delightful contrast to the dense, hearty dressing, balancing its rich texture and bringing bright acidity to each bite.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dressing's richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that enhances the dish's herbal undertones.
• Enhance with Ham Glaze: A honey-glazed ham delivers a sweet and salty dimension that beautifully complements the cornbread dressing's rustic, comforting flavors.

Fun Takes on Mamas Cornbread Dressing

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal. Ensure all broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Herbal Dressing: Swap butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace eggs with flax eggs. Add extra herbs like marjoram for depth of flavor.
• Low-Sodium Herb Dressing: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium broth. Increase herb quantities like sage and thyme to boost flavor without extra sodium.
• Dairy-Free Southern Style: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter and maintain traditional cornbread texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Mama's Cornbread Dressing?

The key ingredients are cornmeal, buttermilk, onions, celery, herbs like sage and thyme, and chicken or vegetable broth. The homemade cornbread serves as the base of this traditional Southern side dish.

• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cornbread and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store the prepared mixture covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and fresh flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains wheat flour in the cornbread. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your broth is also gluten-free.

• How do I know if the dressing is cooked properly?

The dressing is done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches about 165°F. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the center should be moist but not wet.

Mamas Cornbread Dressing Essentials

• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this cornbread dressing requires minimal cooking expertise and simple techniques anyone can master.
• A hearty, nostalgic side dish that brings warmth and tradition to family meals, creating delightful memories around the dinner table.
• Adaptable to various dietary preferences by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth, making it a flexible option for different gatherings and dietary needs.
• An ideal accompaniment for holiday feasts, potlucks, and special occasion dinners, adding a homemade touch that impresses guests and feels like a culinary hug.

Mamas Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mama’s cornbread dressing blends Southern comfort with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty crumbled cornbread mingles with herbs and seasonings, creating a classic side dish that brings family gatherings to life and warms hearts with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Cornbread Base:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational cornbread by heating the oven to 220C (425F). Select a 9-inch baking vessel and lightly coat with oil or butter.
2. Combine dry cornmeal components in one vessel, whisking thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps. In a separate container, blend liquid ingredients until smooth.
3. Gently merge wet and dry mixtures, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture. Pour batter into prepared pan, ensuring even distribution.
4. Bake cornbread for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and a testing probe emerges cleanly. Allow complete cooling before fragmenting.
5. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium thermal intensity. Introduce diced onions and celery, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let vegetables rest.
7. Transfer crumbled cornbread into a substantial mixing receptacle. Gradually introduce broth, maintaining a delicate moisture balance without oversaturating.
8. Sprinkle herbaceous seasonings – sage, thyme, rosemary – complemented by salt and pepper. Integrate fresh parsley if desired, mixing thoroughly.
9. Transition oven temperature to 180C (350F). Relocate dressing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
10. Roast for 30-35 minutes, cultivating a crisp golden exterior while preserving interior tenderness. Serve immediately alongside preferred protein.

Notes

• Crumble cornbread completely cool to ensure perfect texture and prevent soggy dressing.
• Use day-old cornbread for enhanced flavor and better absorption of broth and seasonings.
• Adjust liquid content carefully to maintain desired moisture without making dressing too wet or dry.
• Add extra herbs like sage or thyme for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetarian option works great by using vegetable broth and eliminating any meat-based ingredients.
• Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and monitoring added salt quantities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg