Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing

There are a few dishes that define a Southern Thanksgiving, and cornbread dressing is one of them. If you grew up in the South, you already know this recipe is a must on every holiday table. It is comforting, savory, and packed with the kind of flavor that feels like home. It is also never from a box. Ever. This is the real thing and once you taste it, you will understand why so many families protect their dressing recipe like a family heirloom.

This version is the one I grew up with, and the one my Mama taught me to make. It starts with homemade cornbread, plenty of vegetables, shredded chicken for extra heartiness, and what feels like an unbelievable amount of sage. If you have never made dressing before, this is the perfect place to begin. It is simple, cozy, and guaranteed to become a new tradition at your table.

Watch the full recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large pan of homemade cornbread, crumbled

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 to 4 celery stalks, finely diced

• 1-2 medium carrots, finely diced

• 2 cups shredded chicken

• 2 jars turkey gravy mix (I use Heinz)

• 2 to 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 5 to 6 tablespoons ground sage

• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg, beaten, to mix in right before baking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375.

2. Crumble the cornbread into a very large mixing bowl. It's helpful to do this. 1-2 days ahead, so your cornbread is just ever so slightly dryer.

3. In a separate pan, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the cornbread.

5. Stir in the shredded chicken, turkey gravy mix, heavy cream, and enough chicken broth to create a moist but not runny mixture.

6. Add the sage, garlic and poultry seasonings, salt, and pepper. Do not be shy with the sage. The flavor mellows and becomes warm and comforting as it bakes.

7. Pour mixture over your crumbled cornbread mixture. It helps to do this in 1-2 batches, to avoid spilling.

8. Right before baking, mix in the beaten egg. This helps the dressing hold together without becoming dense. If you want to taste to make sure you have enough sage, salt and pepper, be sure to do that before adding the egg.

9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.

10. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you prefer a more golden top.

11. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so everything sets.
    

Why This Dressing Belongs on Your Table

Southern cornbread dressing is more than a side dish. It is a tradition. It is the aroma that brings family into the kitchen and the comfort that brings them back for seconds. The combination of homemade cornbread, rich gravy, and generous sage makes this dressing taste like the holidays in one warm bite.

If you have never made dressing from scratch, this recipe is a wonderful place to start a new tradition. It is simple, hearty, and filled with flavor. Once you try it, there is no going back.

Enjoy every bite and share it with the people you love.