Mama’s Cornbread Dressing! – Page 2

Instructions for Making Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Preheat Oven and Grease Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or skillet.
Mix Cornbread Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until combined.
Bake: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool, then crumble the cornbread into a large bowl.

Saute the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt a bit of butter and sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding to the mixture.
Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the crumbled cornbread, add the crumbled white bread, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, beaten eggs, sage, poultry seasoning, and melted butter. Mix well until everything is combined and moist. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C): Grease a large baking dish (such as a 9×13-inch pan) or skillet.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cornbread dressing alongside your holiday favorites!

To make this traditional Southern dressing, you’ll need:

Moisture Levels: Adjust the chicken broth depending on how moist you like your dressing. Add extra broth for a softer texture or reduce for a drier, more crumbly result.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cornbread and even the dressing mixture ahead of time. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, bake as directed.
Add Sausage or Chicken: For a heartier version, add cooked sausage or shredded cooked chicken to the dressing mixture.
Experiment with Herbs: Sage and poultry seasoning are classic flavors, but feel free to add thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra depth.

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday dishes:

Roast Turkey or Ham: This dressing is a must-have side dish for turkey, ham, or even roast chicken.
Cranberry Sauce: The tangy flavor of cranberry sauce beautifully complements the savory dressing.
Greens or Green Beans: Serve with collard greens, green beans, or a simple green salad for a balanced plate.