Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

When Thanksgiving or any big family gathering rolls around in the South, one dish always takes center stage on the dinner table—Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. It’s more than just food. It’s a warm hug in a casserole dish, filled with memories, love, and a little bit of Southern magic. This blog will take you step by step through this beloved recipe, making it easy for anyone to bring a piece of home to their own table.

What is Cornbread Dressing?

Cornbread dressing is a savory, moist, baked dish made primarily with crumbled cornbread, broth, and vegetables like onions and celery. It’s often mistaken for stuffing, but there’s a difference. Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey, while dressing is baked separately—usually in a big, heavy casserole dish. In the South, we almost always go for dressing, especially cornbread dressing.

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Why Mama’s Dressing is Special

Every Southern family has their own version, passed down from grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Mama’s cornbread dressing is simple, made from scratch, and doesn’t rely on store-bought shortcuts. It’s rich, fluffy but firm, and full of comforting flavors. The secret ingredient? Love—and a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for a traditional pan of Mama’s cornbread dressing:

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

For the Dressing:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (made ahead and cooled)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth if available)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or sage, if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cornbread

Start by making a fresh batch of cornbread the day before. This helps it dry out slightly, which makes for better dressing texture.

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
2. Mix all the dry cornbread ingredients in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and oil/butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Don’t over-stir.
5. Pour the batter into the skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Let it cool, then crumble it into small chunks. Leave it out overnight if you can.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions and celery over medium heat until soft and translucent—about 10 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Crumbled cornbread
• Cooked onions and celery (along with the butter)
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Beaten eggs
• Warm broth

Stir gently until well mixed. The texture should be moist but not soupy. You want the dressing to hold together without becoming mushy.

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Step 4: Bake the Dressing

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Tips from Mama’s Kitchen

• Make it ahead: Dressing actually tastes even better the next day. Make it a day early and reheat before serving.
• Customize it: Some families add hard-boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or even sausage.
• Moisture check: If the dressing seems dry, stir in a little more broth before baking.
• No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mama’s cornbread dressing alongside roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and greens for a full Southern feast. It’s also amazing with just a drizzle of turkey gravy on top and a spoonful of sweet potatoes on the side.

Why We Keep Making It

This recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition. Every time we make Mama’s dressing, we remember family dinners, laughter, and stories shared around the table. It’s a dish that brings generations together. Even if you’ve never made it before, this recipe is forgiving, warm, and welcoming—just like Mama herself.

So go ahead, give it a try. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Mama’s cornbread dressing never disappoints.

Summary

The blog shares a heartfelt and easy-to-follow recipe for traditional Southern cornbread dressing, a staple at family gatherings like Thanksgiving. It highlights the difference between stuffing and dressing, emphasizing that dressing is baked separately and usually made with cornbread in the South.

The recipe is broken into two parts: homemade cornbread (baked a day ahead) and the dressing itself, which includes sautéed onions, celery, broth, eggs, and seasoning. After mixing the ingredients, it’s baked until golden brown.

The blog also offers tips like making the dish ahead of time, customizing it with extras like chicken or sausage, and adjusting the moisture with broth. More than just a recipe, the blog emphasizes how this dish carries family traditions, memories, and love—making it a cherished part of Southern cuisine.

FAQs about Cornbread Dressing Recipe