Cornbread Dressing
A soul-warming Southern classic made with crumbled cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and savory sage. Baked until golden with a custardy center and crispy top, this dressing is the star of Thanksgiving and holiday tables across the American South.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prepare the baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
- saute · ~8 min
Sauté the vegetables.
1.Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.2.Add diced onion and celery; cook until soft and translucent (5-7 minutes).3.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).4.Remove from heat and let cool slightly.TIPDon't brown the vegetables — cook them low and slow until just tender to keep the dressing moist. - mix · ~2 min
Combine the dressing base.
1.Place the crumbled cornbread in a large mixing bowl.2.Add the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt.3.Toss gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until evenly distributed.TIPUsing your hands helps break up clumps without turning the cornbread to dust. - mix · ~3 min
Add eggs and broth to form the custard.
1.Pour the beaten eggs over the cornbread mixture.2.Slowly pour in 1½ cups of the chicken broth while gently folding.3.Add remaining broth as needed — the mixture should be very moist but not soupy.TIPThe dressing should be wet enough to jiggle slightly when you shake the bowl; it will set up in the oven. - bake · ~45 min
Bake the dressing until golden and set.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set with a slight jiggle.
TIPIf the top browns too quickly before the center sets, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. - rest · ~10 min
Rest before serving.
Remove from oven and let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before scooping. This allows the custard to finish setting and makes for cleaner servings.
- serve
Scoop and serve warm.
Spoon generous portions onto plates alongside turkey, ham, or your holiday mains. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old cornbread that is slightly dry so it absorbs broth without turning mushy.
- 2Do not overmix the dressing; fold gently to keep some coarse cornbread texture.
- 3Add the broth gradually—the final mixture should be very moist but not swimming in liquid.
- 4Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to fully set.
- 5For a crispier top, bake uncovered the entire time; if browning too fast, tent with foil.
- 6Cool leftover dressing completely before refrigerating; reheat covered with a splash of broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a vegan butter substitute. The dressing retains its savory, herbaceous character and works beautifully as a side for any plant-based holiday meal.
sausage & appleSausage & apple
Brown ½ lb of crumbled breakfast sausage with the aromatics and add 1 cup of finely diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith) for a sweet-savory twist that adds moisture and heartiness.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use a certified gluten-free cornbread (store-bought or homemade with gluten-free flour blend) and ensure the broth is also gluten-free. The dish remains indistinguishable from the classic version.
spicy CreoleSpicy Creole
Add 1 finely diced green bell pepper to the vegetables, swap ½ tsp of sage for 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning, and finish with a few dashes of hot sauce. This gives the dressing a Louisiana-inspired kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Fiber
Cornmeal and celery provide dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme and sage supply antioxidant compounds that help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
Moderate Protein from Eggs
Each serving provides a modest amount of high-quality protein from eggs, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
Low in Added Sugars
Unlike many holiday sides, this dressing contains no added sugars, relying instead on the natural sweetness of cornbread and sautéed vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, assemble the dressing up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
