Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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Every Southern holiday table has one dish that steals the show, and for us, it’s Mama’s Cornbread Dressing. This recipe is pure comfort food, the kind that reminds you of warm kitchens, big family hugs, and the delicious smells of Thanksgiving morning. With tender, homemade cornbread as the base and a blend of fresh herbs, aromatics, and savory broth, this dressing is rich, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Whether it’s your first time making dressing from scratch or you’re continuing a long-standing family tradition, this recipe is straightforward, hearty, and soul-satisfying. Perfect for those who want something deeply flavorful with just the right balance of texture—moist, never soggy, with crisp golden edges.

Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Dressing Recipe

This isn’t just a side dish—it’s the main event for many people during the holidays. You’ll love the way the flavors develop as everything bakes together into a savory, cohesive dish. The combination of cornbread, broth, and classic seasonings like sage and thyme makes it undeniably satisfying. It also stores and reheats beautifully, meaning your leftovers (if you have any) are just as good.

What Kind of Cornbread Should I Use?

The best dressing starts with a good cornbread. For this recipe, homemade is the gold standard—a skillet-baked, slightly crumbly, savory cornbread with minimal sugar works best. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought is fine too, just make sure it’s not overly sweet. Let it dry out a bit before using, as stale or day-old cornbread absorbs broth better and helps the dressing hold together without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Great cornbread dressing starts with the right ingredients. You want a balance of moisture, flavor, and texture, and each item on this list brings something special to the mix. It’s all about layering richness and savoriness with herbs and aromatics that make the whole dish sing.

• Cornbread: The base of the dish, slightly dry or day-old cornbread works best to absorb all the delicious broth.
• Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and that classic stuffing flavor.
• Onion: Provides a savory depth that complements the herbs and cornbread beautifully.
• Butter: For richness and flavor. It helps sauté the vegetables and adds moisture.
• Chicken broth: The main liquid that binds everything together and infuses the dressing with savory flavor.
• Eggs: These act as binders to help hold the dressing together while baking.
• Sage: Earthy and aromatic, it’s a must-have in traditional Southern dressing.
• Thyme: Brings a subtle woodsy flavor that rounds out the herb profile.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the dish.

How To Make the Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

Bake your cornbread a day ahead if possible. Let it cool completely and then crumble it into a large bowl. A slightly dry texture is ideal.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl of crumbled cornbread. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Broth

Whisk the eggs and pour them in, followed by the chicken broth. Start with a small amount and add more as needed—you want the mixture to be moist but not soupy.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is best served warm from the oven when the edges are crisp and the inside is soft and savory. It pairs effortlessly with roasted turkey or baked chicken, making it the heart of any holiday table. If you’re making it ahead, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

This recipe feeds about 8 people as a hearty side, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

What to Serve With Mama’s Cornbread Dressing?

Roast Turkey

The traditional Thanksgiving companion. The savory herbs in the dressing complement turkey perfectly.

Giblet Gravy

Pour it generously over your serving of dressing for an extra layer of Southern richness.

Cranberry Sauce

A little tartness balances the savory flavors beautifully.

Green Bean Casserole

The creamy texture and crispy onions make it a great contrast to the cornbread dressing.

Collard Greens

Add a Southern classic to your plate for a comforting, nutrient-packed side.

Sweet Potato Casserole

The sweetness of this dish brings out the herbs in the dressing.

Deviled Eggs

Light, tangy, and a welcome contrast to the warm, dense dressing.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

Their bright flavor adds color and natural sweetness to your holiday spread.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this Mama’s Cornbread Dressing recipe, here are a few more comforting dishes you might want to try next:

• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe for a crispy appetizer that vanishes fast.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese if you’re craving melty, savory indulgence.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni to keep the cozy vibes going.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak for a rich, earthy sauce that elevates any meat dish.
• Air Fryer Pizza Toast for a fun, kid-friendly idea with nostalgic flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use homemade broth? Maybe added sausage or apples for a twist? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.

Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make the holidays even more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated comforting classics and hearty seasonal dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite! Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a celebration of Southern comfort and holiday memories. Whether you’re serving it for the first time or the fiftieth, it has a way of gathering everyone around the table. With its tender cornbread base, fragrant herbs, and perfectly balanced texture, this dressing will always have a place on your menu—and in your heart.

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