Paula Deen’s Cozy Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Southern cornbread dressing brings comfort and nostalgia to every holiday table, weaving culinary memories into each delectable bite.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic side dish that celebrates cultural traditions and home-cooked warmth.

Soft, savory, and richly seasoned, this recipe promises a delightful experience that connects you to deep-rooted southern cooking techniques.

Carefully selected ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a dish that transcends mere sustenance and becomes a cherished moment of shared joy.

Fragrant herbs and carefully crumbled cornbread form the foundation of this beloved recipe, promising complex flavors in every spoonful.

The magic happens when simple ingredients change into something extraordinary, inviting you to savor a taste of southern hospitality.

Warm, inviting, and utterly irresistible, this dressing will become the star of your dining experience.

What to Pair with Paula Deen’s Dressing

• Pair with Hearty Turkey Gravy: Drizzle rich, homemade turkey gravy over the cornbread dressing to enhance its savory flavors and add moisture to each delicious bite.
• Complement with Roasted Green Beans: Serve crisp, garlic-roasted green beans alongside the dressing to provide a fresh, light contrast to the dense and comforting dish.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a chilled, buttery Chardonnay that mirrors the richness of the dressing and cuts through its hearty texture with smooth, balanced acidity.
• Serve with Cranberry Sauce: Add a tangy, sweet cranberry sauce to balance the savory depth of the cornbread dressing and create a classic Southern holiday flavor combination.

Variations on a Southern Dressing Classic

• Herb-Infused Cornbread Dressing: Elevate the classic recipe by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley for an aromatic herb-packed version that brings bright, earthy flavors to the traditional Southern dish.
• Spicy Sausage Cornbread Dressing: Incorporate cooked, crumbled spicy breakfast sausage into the mixture for a bold, zesty kick that adds depth and protein to the classic dressing.
• Mushroom and Wild Rice Cornbread Dressing: Mix in sautéed wild mushrooms and cooked wild rice to create a more complex, earthy dressing with added texture and woodsy undertones.
• Bacon and Apple Cornbread Dressing: Fold in crispy chopped bacon and diced green apples for a sweet and savory combination that brings unexpected richness and subtle tartness to the traditional recipe.

Paula Deen Cornbread Dressing Q&A

• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cornbread dressing a day before and refrigerate. Just cover it tightly and bake when ready to serve.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

No worries! Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

• How do I know when the dressing is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown and the center should be set. Insert a knife in the middle – if it comes out clean, it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

• Can I freeze this cornbread dressing?

Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing: Savory, Soft, and Soulful

• Dive into a classic Paula Deen recipe that captures the heart of traditional Southern cooking with its rich, homemade cornbread dressing.
• Enjoy a delightful mix of crispy cornbread, soft white bread, and crunchy crackers that create a perfectly balanced, multi-layered texture in every bite.
• Master this simple recipe with easy-to-follow steps that require minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels and ideal for holiday gatherings or family meals.
• Experience a mouthwatering blend of sage, poultry seasoning, and carefully sautéed vegetables that brings back memories of grandma's home-cooked Sunday dinners.

What You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

• Self-Rising Cornmeal: Classic Southern cornbread foundation with built-in leavening.
• Self-Rising Flour: Adds structure and helps bind the cornbread mixture.
• Buttermilk: Provides tangy flavor and helps create tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps prevent dryness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cornbread.

• White Bread Slices: Adds extra texture and helps absorb flavors.
• Saltine Crackers: Provides additional crunch and helps thicken the dressing.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor to the vegetable base.
• Celery, Onion: Classic aromatic vegetables that build deep savory flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and intensifies the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Sage: Traditional herb that gives classic Southern dressing its signature taste.
• Poultry Seasoning: Blends herbs that complement chicken-based dishes.
• Additional Eggs: Helps bind the entire dressing and creates a custard-like texture.

Southern Cornbread Dressing Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your Southern comfort dish.

Step 2: Craft the Cornbread Base

• Self-rising cornmeal
• Self-rising flour
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Bake the Cornbread

Pour the batter into a generously greased shallow baking dish. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and delicious. Once done, let it cool completely, then crumble into a large bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread Mixture

• White bread slices (crumbled)
• Saltine crackers (crushed)

Set this delightful bread mixture aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

• Celery
• Onion

Cook until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sage
• Poultry seasoning

Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step 7: Bind the Dressing

Whisk the eggs separately, then fold them into the mixture until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a well-greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place in the oven and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a firm, set texture throughout.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delectable side dish that captures the heart of Southern cooking.

Pro Tips for the Best Cornbread Dressing

• Cornbread Crumble Technique: Ensure cornbread is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent a mushy texture and maintain distinct bread pieces.
• Vegetable Sauté Precision: Cook celery and onions until just transparent to preserve their subtle flavor and prevent burning.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust sage and poultry seasoning gradually, adding small amounts to avoid overwhelming the delicate dressing flavor.
• Moisture Management: Add chicken stock slowly and mix thoroughly to achieve the perfect consistency – moist but not soggy.
• Egg Integration Trick: Whisk eggs separately before incorporating into the mixture to ensure even distribution and smooth blending throughout the dressing.

Storing and Reheating Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cornbread dressing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled dressing to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original delicious taste.

Paula Deens Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern comfort calls for Paula Deen’s legendary cornbread dressing, blending hearty herbs and savory spices into a classic holiday masterpiece. Home cooks will savor this comforting side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• ½ cup self-rising flour
• 7 eggs (5 for dressing, 2 for cornbread)
• 7 cups chicken stock
• 7 slices oven-dried white bread

Bread and Cracker Base:

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (crushed)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 2 cups celery (chopped)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a perfectly seasoned cornbread foundation by blending self-rising cornmeal, self-rising flour, buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil into a smooth batter.
2. Transfer the cornbread mixture into a well-greased shallow baking pan, creating a golden platform for the dressing. Bake until the surface turns a warm, inviting golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.
3. Allow the cornbread to cool completely, then meticulously crumble it into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a rustic base for the Southern-style dressing.
4. Enhance the cornbread foundation by incorporating crumbled white bread slices and crushed saltine crackers, adding layers of texture and depth to the mixture.
5. In a skillet, gently melt butter over medium heat, then introduce finely chopped celery and onion. Sauté until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-10 minutes.
6. Stream the sautéed vegetables over the cornbread mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Pour in rich chicken stock and thoroughly integrate the ingredients.
7. Elevate the seasoning profile by carefully adding salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning, ensuring a balanced and memorable taste experience.
8. Whisk eggs until they reach a uniform consistency, then fold them into the dressing mixture, binding all components together with a silky texture.
9. Transfer the prepared mixture into a generously greased baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing the dressing to transform into a golden, perfectly set masterpiece that celebrates Southern culinary traditions, roughly 45-60 minutes.

Notes

• Combining multiple bread types like cornbread, white bread, and saltine crackers creates a unique texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Sautéing vegetables in butter before mixing helps release their natural sweetness and develops a more complex taste in the dressing.
• Seasoning with sage and poultry seasoning provides classic Southern comfort food aromatics that elevate the entire dish.
• Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the dressing hold together and creating a smooth, custard-like consistency when baked.
• This versatile recipe works perfectly as a Thanksgiving side dish or can be enjoyed year-round with roasted meats and poultry.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg