Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

 



How to Make Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter or oil.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cornbread cool completely before crumbling it for the dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing Base

  1. In a large skillet, melt a small amount of butter and sauté the chopped onion and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Crumble the cornbread and day-old bread into a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

  1. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper to the cornbread mixture. Stir well.
  2. Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth, mixing as you go. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Add more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Bake the Dressing

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
  2. Spread the dressing mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spoon.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the dressing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing

  1. Homemade cornbread is key: While store-bought cornbread can work, making it from scratch enhances the flavor and texture.
  2. Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the broth better, resulting in a richer dressing.
  3. Don’t skimp on the broth: Moisture is essential for a perfect dressing. Keep extra broth on hand to adjust the consistency.
  4. Adjust the seasoning: Add more poultry seasoning or sage for a stronger flavor, or customize with your favorite herbs.
  5. Make ahead: Prepare the dressing the day before and refrigerate. Bake it fresh on the day of serving.