Name: Mama's Cornbread Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped onions; 2 cups chopped celery; 1/2 cup butter; 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread; 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried sage; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; Turkey broth (as needed); 4 large eggs, beaten

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, perfectly seasoned, and has that nostalgic homemade taste that brings everyone back to the table. The blend of toasted bread and cornbread creates the ideal texture, while the addition of turkey broth and eggs keeps it moist and flavorful. Whether served at Thanksgiving or alongside a Sunday roast, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup butter
4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried sage
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
Turkey broth
4 large eggs, beaten

Directions

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until tender.
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled toasted bread and cornbread.
Add the sautéed onions and celery, including the cooking liquid, to the bread mixture.
Stir in the salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning until everything is well mixed.
Gradually add turkey broth using a bulb baster or ladle, mixing until the dressing reaches a very moist consistency.
Stir in the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture to a large greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake at 400°F for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and set.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 10–12 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add meat: Mix in cooked, chopped giblets or crumbled sausage for a richer, heartier dish.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the turkey broth for vegetable broth and omit any meat-based additions.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use fresh herbs: If available, fresh sage and thyme can elevate the flavor even more.
Mix in extras: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, apples, or pecans for added texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

How moist should the dressing be before baking?

It should be very moist but not soupy. The turkey broth should soak into the bread mixture without pooling at the bottom.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I have to use both bread and cornbread?

Using both gives a better texture and flavor balance, but you can use all cornbread for a more traditional Southern style.

What type of bread works best for the toasted bread?

Day-old white bread or French bread works well. Avoid soft sandwich bread with a high moisture content.

Can I freeze leftover dressing?

Yes, wrap it tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use boxed cornbread mix?

Yes, boxed mixes like Jiffy work fine if you don’t have homemade cornbread.

What kind of poultry seasoning should I use?

Any store-bought poultry seasoning blend will work, typically containing sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg.

How do I keep the dressing from drying out?

Don’t overbake it and make sure the mixture is moist before going into the oven. Cover with foil during baking if needed.

Can I add eggs after adding the broth?

Yes, just be sure to mix quickly and evenly so the eggs don’t scramble in the warm mixture.

Is this the same as stuffing?

It’s very similar, but dressing is usually baked separately in a pan, while stuffing is often cooked inside a turkey.

Conclusion

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With simple ingredients and satisfying taste, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a holiday staple or a weekend comfort meal, this dressing is bound to become a family favorite.