There are so many good stuffings and dressings for your turkey it can be hard to choose! After tasting this delicious southern cornbread dressing recipe, I knew I found my favorite. Even my five year old son liked this cornbread dressing, so it is kid approved. It is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving menu. Just serve it up with a roasted turkey and cranberry relish for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.
Southern dressing has a rich, savory flavor with a comforting balance of earthy herbs, buttery cornbread, and fragrant aromatics. The taste is often layered with notes of sage, thyme, or poultry seasoning, which give it a warm and slightly peppery kick. The cornbread provides a subtly sweet, crumbly base, while ingredients like onions and celery add a fresh, slightly crunchy texture. When combined with broth and baked, it becomes moist, hearty, and aromatic—a dish that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for holiday gatherings or a nostalgic taste of Southern cooking.
Savor The Flavors Of This Easy Southern Cornbread Dressing
My grandmother was from Louisiana and she always liked a cornbread dressing so I share this recipe with you in her honor. You are sure to enjoy it as the savory flavors of thyme and garlic go great with the corn and turkey flavors. You can cook this southern cornbread dressing recipe up ahead of time or anytime because you don’t have to cook it in the bird. In fact, the turkey cooks most evenly if you don’t stuff it full of dressing (instead I throw some herbs and citrus in the cavity while it bakes.) The fact that it cooks outside of the bird is actually why it is called cornbread dressing instead of cornbread stuffing.
It is actually a very easy recipe if you have the batch of cornbread ready. For that you have three options that I can think of: buy some precooked at the store, use a boxed cornbread mix (like my favorite Jiffy cornbread mix), or use a homemade cornbread recipe.
Cornbread Dressing Simple Ingredients-
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 3 cups bread crumbs or cubed white bread
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon corn oil
- 2 cups copped onion
- 2 cups finely chopped celery
- 1 cup bell peppers
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Thyme
- 1/2 fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or turkey broth (homemade chicken stock or turkey stock is best but store bought broth will work just fine)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
How To Make Corn Bread Dressing For Thanksgiving:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic in a large skillet with butter and oil until soft.
Stir in minced herbs.
Place cornbread crumbles, bread crumbs and vegetables into a large bowl.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of room temperature stock and eggs together before combining with the cornbread mixture.
Add one more cup of stock to the dressing mixture, if needed.
Pour into prepared baking dish.
Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
Serve it up with your Thanksgiving turkey or chicken and enjoy! I like to prepare the other classic side dish recipes as well- cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and collard greens. My Thanksgiving table feast is always a favorite time of the year.
Printable Cornbread Turkey Dressing Recipe Card
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon corn oil
- 2 cups copped onion
- 2 cups finely chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Cook onion, celery, and garlic in a frying pan with butter and oil until soft.
- Stir in minced herbs.
- Place cornbread crumbles, bread crumbs and vegetables into a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of stock and eggs together before combining with the cornbread mixture.
- Add one more cup of stock if needed.
- Pour into greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Serves: 8
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 644.3 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 20.28 g | 30.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 6.32 g | 30% | |
| Trans Fat 0.18 g | ||
| Cholesterol 127.68 mg | 42.3% | |
| Sodium 1337.46 mg | 55.7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 95.51 g | 31.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.99 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 5.8 g | ||
| Protein 19.1 g | ||
| Vitamin A 7.66 % | Vitamin C 5.28 % | |
| Calcium 44.48 % | Iron 33.12 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Conclusion
This delicious Southern cornbread dressing recipe is so good! I got the recipe from a cooking class by Chef Richard Jones at the Green Door Gourmet , an agritourism destination with farm event spaces, here in Nashville. You are sure to love this southern classic cornbread dressing.
Southern cornbread dressing is more than just a dish—it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together during the holidays. Its blend of savory herbs, hearty cornbread, and comforting seasonings captures the warmth of family gatherings and the essence of Southern cuisine. Whether served alongside turkey at Thanksgiving or as a standalone comfort food, this classic recipe represents both flavor and nostalgia. By preparing it, you’re not just making a meal; you’re honoring a legacy that fills hearts and homes with love. My grandmother served this dish year round with chicken too! Good stuff.
Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes to serve on your holiday table?
Related Posts:
Robin says
That sounds easy enough to make! I don’t know about everyone else, but Southern dressing is my favorite holiday side dish. Can’t wait to serve this delish cornbread dressing at the dinner table tomorrow!
Dale says
I just made this for a trial run for Thanksgiving. This is by far the best that I have made. I added a 1/2 pint oysters that I cooked with the onions, green pepper, and celery mix. This Southern dressing is amazing.
Lucy says
This cornbread dressing looks absolutely delicious! Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner – I love the combination of flavors and how comforting it must be. Can’t wait to try this recipe!