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Wholesome Southern Cornbread Dressing: Easy, Best Recipe

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This wholesome Southern cornbread dressing is tender on the inside with crispy, golden-brown edges, made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a soul-soothing comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
  • 6 cups crumbled, dried cornbread (from above or day-old)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (add more if needed)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth saltiness)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the cornbread (day before or 2 hours ahead): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth. Pour wet into dry and stir until just combined. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then …
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced onion and celery, cook 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine dried crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Toss to distribute herbs. In a small bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and chicken broth. Pour liquid over cornbread mixture and stir gently until well moistened (mixture should be wet but not soupy; add more broth if dry).
  4. Bake the dressing: Transfer mixture to greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35-45 minutes until top is golden brown and edges are crispy. Center should be set and firm. For extra crispy edges, broil last 2-3 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or a green salad.

Notes

Let cornbread dry out thoroughly for best texture. Sauté vegetables to prevent sogginess. Taste broth before adding salt. For crispy top, dot with butter before baking. Make cornbread a day ahead to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread dressing, Southern dressing, Thanksgiving side, holiday side, wholesome dressing, easy dressing, homemade cornbread dressing

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/wholesome-southern-cornbread-dressing-easy-best-recipe/