Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe – The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Everyone Craves

Cornbread dressing is not just a side dish — it is the soul of the Southern holiday table. Savory, buttery, deeply aromatic, and comforting beyond words, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients like cornbread, onions, celery, and herbs into something that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you grew up with it or discovered it later in life, cornbread dressing has a way of becoming essential the moment you taste it.

This is the best Southern cornbread dressing recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any special family gathering. It is moist without being soggy, richly seasoned without being overpowering, and baked until golden and irresistible on top. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, ham, gravy, and all the traditional fixings — and it often becomes the dish everyone talks about long after the plates are cleared.

What Is Cornbread Dressing?

Cornbread dressing is a traditional Southern alternative to stuffing. Unlike bread stuffing, which is usually made from white or wheat bread cubes, cornbread dressing uses crumbled cornbread as its base. The cornbread is combined with sautéed vegetables, herbs like sage and poultry seasoning, eggs, butter, and broth, then baked in a casserole dish instead of being stuffed inside a bird.

The result is a savory, soft, sliceable dish with a fluffy interior and a lightly crisp, golden top. It is deeply comforting, highly customizable, and beloved across generations.

Ingredients and Why Each One Matters

Vegetables and Aromatics

Celery (2 cups, chopped) — Adds freshness, light crunch, and a classic savory note.
Onions (2 large, chopped) — Provide sweetness and depth once softened.

Fats

Margarine (1 stick) — Used to soften vegetables and add moisture.
Butter (1 stick) — Adds richness, flavor, and a silky mouthfeel.

Bread Base

Dry buttermilk cornbread (5 cups, crumbled) — The heart of the dish, providing structure and signature flavor.
Dry bread crumbs (5 cups) — Lightens the texture and absorbs broth evenly.

Liquids and Binders

Turkey or chicken broth (3 cups or more) — Provides moisture and savory flavor.
Eggs (4 large, beaten) — Bind the dressing together so it slices cleanly.

Seasonings

Poultry seasoning (1½ tsp) — A blend of herbs that gives classic holiday flavor.
Sage (3 tsp or to taste) — The signature herb of traditional dressing.
Salt and pepper — Enhance and balance all flavors.

How to Make Southern Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the chopped celery, onions, melted margarine, butter, beaten eggs, crumbled cornbread, bread crumbs, broth, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.

The mixture should be very moist — almost soupy. Add more broth if needed.

Step 3: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden and set.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the dressing holds together.

Why This Cornbread Dressing Recipe Is So Loved

It is moist, fluffy, and never dry.
It has classic Southern flavor with sage and poultry seasoning.
It feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
It feels nostalgic and comforting.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing

Use day-old or dried cornbread for best texture.
Do not overmix or the dressing can become dense.
Add broth gradually — it’s easier to add than remove.
Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted turkey and gravy.
Pair with green beans, sweet potatoes, or collard greens.
Use leftovers for breakfast with eggs.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cornbread dressing can be made one day ahead and refrigerated before baking. It also freezes well after baking for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Southern cornbread dressing is more than a recipe — it is tradition, comfort, and celebration in one dish. Rich, herby, soft, and satisfying, it deserves its place at the heart of the holiday table.

If you are looking for a classic side dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and incredible flavor, this cornbread dressing recipe is one you will return to again and again.