Name: Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup whole buttermilk; 1 (14 ounce) bag herb-seasoned stuffing mix, such as Pepperidge Farm; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, divided; 2 cups finely chopped sweet onion; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery; 5 cups chicken or turkey stock; 5 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 teaspoons dried sage; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

If you’re craving that comforting, homey side dish that screams holiday dinner or Sunday supper, you’re going to want to try this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out: crispy on top, moist and flavorful inside, with just the right balance of herbs and savory goodness. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern cooking or just discovering it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure yours comes out perfect!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Comfort: This dressing captures all the flavors that make Southern cooking so beloved.
Perfect Texture: You get a crispy golden crust with a tender, moist center every time.
Made From Scratch Cornbread: The homemade cornbread base gives unbeatable freshness and flavor.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit for holiday dinners or any comfort food craving.

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden brown crumbly topping that is crunchy and uneven, covering a greenish-yellow layer beneath. The topping has a rough texture with small browned bits, and a scoop has been taken out from one corner, showing the thick, soft interior with visible small chunks inside. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with soft, natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that define a great Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe. Don’t skimp on the buttermilk or the quality of your stock—these little details make a big difference in taste and moisture.

Yellow cornmeal: Look for fine to medium grind for smooth cornbread.
All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal to give a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch adds a subtle sweetness to the cornbread.
Baking powder: Helps your cornbread rise nicely.
Kosher salt: Use kosher for better seasoning control.
Eggs: Bind everything together; fresh is best.
Unsalted butter: Use unsalted so you can control saltiness and get that rich flavor.
Whole buttermilk: Acidity tenderizes the crumb and adds tang.
Herb-seasoned stuffing mix: Gives that classic herby flavor and texture.
Sweet onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and savory backbone.
Chicken or turkey stock: Essential for moistening the dressing and adding flavor.
Dried sage: Signature herb that ties the whole dish together.
Freshly cracked black pepper: For a little bite and balance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe is. You can easily make adjustments to suit your family’s tastes or to complement whatever else you’re serving. Don’t be afraid to tweak it—you might discover a new classic.

Add Sausage: I sometimes brown some spicy breakfast sausage and mix it in for extra richness and a subtle kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or turkey stock and omit butter or replace with plant-based butter.
Herbs & Greens: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or chopped kale can brighten things up.
Make it Spicier: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat that my family loves.

How to Make Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Bake Your Buttermilk Cornbread

Start by greasing a 10-inch cast iron skillet and placing it in your oven to preheat to 425°F — this helps give the cornbread a beautiful crust right from the start. Mix your dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) together in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk. Pour wet into dry and stir just until combined—you don’t want to overmix or your cornbread will be tough. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake for 16 to 19 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. Take it out and let it cool before the next step.

Step 2: Prep Your Dressing Base

Lower your oven temperature to 350°F for later. Crumble your cooled cornbread into small pieces—aim for about 5 cups—to create a light texture. In a very large bowl or pot, combine the cornbread crumbs with the herb-seasoned stuffing mix and toss gently so they’re evenly distributed. This combo is the foundation of that classic Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies and Mix It All Together

Melt half your butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onions and celery. Sauté for 10 to 12 minutes until soft and translucent—this step really unlocks their sweetness and adds savory depth. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add these tender veggies to your cornbread and stuffing mixture. Then melt the remaining butter.

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken or turkey stock, lightly beaten eggs, and dried sage. Pour this liquid mixture over your cornbread base and fold everything together until fully combined. Give it a generous seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper—taste is key here, so don’t be shy!

Step 4: Bake the Dressing to Perfection

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour your dressing mixture in evenly. Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes until it’s set firm in the center and has a gorgeous golden brown top crust. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted comes out mostly clean. This part is pure magic – that crust adds the best texture contrast.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Preheat Your Skillet: Heating your cast iron before adding batter creates the best cornbread crust, just like grandmama’s.
Don’t Overmix Cornbread Batter: A few lumps are okay; this keeps your cornbread tender, not gummy.
Sauté Veggies Slowly: Taking your time with onions and celery enhances sweetness and richness.
Check Moisture Before Baking: If your dressing feels dry, add a bit more stock before baking to keep it moist.

How to Serve Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a warm, golden brown crumbly casserole, with a texture that is slightly rough and uneven, showing small chunks and crumbs on top. The casserole has a soft, moist inside with visible bits of what looks like vegetables mixed in, mainly light green pieces. A metal spoon lifts a portion of the casserole from the middle, showing the golden brown crunchy crust on top and the softer, pale yellow and green inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top after baking—it gives a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the dish. For special occasions, a drizzle of melted butter right as it comes out of the oven is the ultimate finishing touch. Sometimes my kids enjoy a few dabs of whole berry cranberry sauce on the side—that sweet-tart combo is incredible.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings are classic Southern mains like roast turkey or fried chicken, collard greens or green beans, and a tangy cranberry relish. Mashed sweet potatoes or a simple salad balance the richness perfectly. Honestly, it’s so flavorful it could be served as a main with a fresh green salad for a comforting meatless meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve baked the dressing in individual ramekins for cute, personal servings that look elegant on the table. Another idea is layering it in a clear baking dish and topping with toasted pecans for an added crunch. If you want to bring it to a potluck, bake it in a slow cooker on low to keep warm and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge in an airtight container. It keeps its flavor and texture well for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating in the oven helps revive the crispy top, which is the best part.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing this dressing in portions wrapped well with foil and plastic wrap. It freezes solidly for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover dressing is in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Then remove the cover and bake for 5 more minutes to crisp the top back up. Microwave helps in a pinch but won’t give you that lovely crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cornbread for this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely, but I recommend using cornbread that’s slightly dry or day-old so it absorbs the stock better without becoming mushy. Homemade cornbread is ideal because it’s fresher and you can control the flavor and texture, but a high-quality store-bought cornbread can work in a pinch.
Can I make this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken or turkey stock for vegetable stock, and use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Skip the herb-seasoned stuffing mix if it contains meat products and use a vegetarian variety. This makes an equally delicious vegetarian version.
How do I know when the dressing is done baking?

The dressing should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. You can insert a knife or toothpick; it should come out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the casserole dish.
Can I prepare this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake it fresh the next day. This actually helps the flavors meld even better!

Final Thoughts

This Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe has become a treasured staple in my kitchen, especially around holidays. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, because it brings that warm, nostalgic feeling to the table with ease. I encourage you to try it out—not just for special occasions, but whenever you want comfort food that feels like a loving hug. Once you nail that crispy crust and herby, buttery middle, trust me, your family will be asking for seconds every time.