Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing

Introduction

This classic Cornbread Dressing is rich, savory, and deeply traditional, bringing together tender vegetables sautéed in butter, finely crumbled cornbread and toasted bread, and warm seasonings like sage and poultry seasoning. Mixed with flavorful turkey broth and finished with beaten eggs for structure, the dressing bakes into a beautifully browned, moist casserole with that unmistakable holiday aroma. It’s everything people love about old-fashioned Southern dressing—comforting, hearty, and full of simple, honest flavor.

Every step contributes to the final texture: sautéing the onions and celery in butter adds richness, combining two types of crumbs gives a balanced base, and adding broth by feel ensures the mixture bakes up tender rather than dry. Once baked at a high heat, the top develops a lightly crisped golden crust while the inside stays moist and custardy. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting family meal.

Ingredients