If you’re looking to elevate your holiday meal, this Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a must-try! Made with homemade cornbread and infused with flavorful Creole seasoning, it promises to be a delightful side dish that your family and friends will rave about. Perfectly seasoned and moist, this dressing is sure to become a staple on your holiday table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful cornbread dressing:
For the Cornbread
- 1 cup self-rising cornmeal mix
- 4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease
For the Dressing
- 5 cups crumbled homemade cornbread (can also use store-bought)
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (or 1 bell pepper for a milder flavor)
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup chicken stock or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup milk
- â…“ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grocery List
When heading to the store, make sure you have the following:
- Self-rising cornmeal mix
- Milk
- Eggs
- Butter or bacon grease
- Celery
- Onions
- Jalapeño or bell peppers
- Creole seasoning
- Chicken stock or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing:
- Prepare the Cornbread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool before crumbling.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions, celery, and jalapeños. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in Creole seasoning, beaten eggs, chicken stock, milk, and parsley. Mix well until combined.
- Bake the Dressing:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake covered for 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until browned on top.
- Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious dressing alongside your holiday turkey or ham!
Tips & Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cornbread a day in advance to save time on the day of your gathering.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customization: Feel free to add cooked sausage or mushrooms for additional flavor.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 8 people. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Cooking Time
The total time required for this recipe is approximately:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
This Southern Cornbread Dressing is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together during the holidays. With its rich taste and comforting texture, it’s bound to be a highlight at your festive meals!
