Perfect Cornbread Dressing Recipe: Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Sweet peppers, savory sage, and buttery cornbread come together in this unforgettable Cornbread Dressing. So good, you’ll wish you made double—and next time, you will!
Software (a.k.a. Ingredients)
- 1 pan day-old cornbread crumbled
- 7 slices white bread torn into 1-inch cubes and oven-dried
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded turkey meat
- 2 eggs beaten
- 7 cups turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage minced
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
Procedure (a.k.a. The Magic)
- Break It Down
- Grab a large bowl and crumble the day-old cornbread like you mean it. Add the torn white bread and crushed Ritz crackers to the mix. Now you’ve got the base of greatness.
- Veggie Sauté Party
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the onions, celery, and red bell peppers. Cook until they’re tender, like a good hug, but not mushy. As they’re nearing the finish line, season with salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning.
- Bring It Together
- Add the sautéed veggies and shredded turkey to your cornbread mix. Time to get messy—use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. Bonus points if you hum a festive tune while you do it.
- Make It Soupy
- Pour turkey broth into the mix, one cup at a time, stirring as you go. You’re aiming for a thick, soupy consistency—like the batter’s been to the gym but still loves carbs. Once it’s perfect, mix in the beaten eggs to hold everything together.
- Press & Rest
- Lightly press the mixture into a buttered 9×13 casserole dish. Cover it up and let it rest overnight in the fridge. Yes, this dish has patience—it’s worth the wait.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole and bake for 45 minutes, or until it’s set and the top is golden. Your kitchen will smell like pure happiness.
- Serve & Shine
- Let the dressing rest for a few minutes before serving. Optional: Serve with smoked oysters on the side for an extra fancy twist.
Notes
Day-Old Cornbread: Fresh cornbread won’t hold up as well, so let it dry out for the best texture.
Turkey Broth Swap: Chicken broth works in a pinch if you don’t have turkey broth.
Extra Crunch: For a crispy top, uncover the casserole for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Delicious Destinations:
