Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a staple at family gatherings, especially during the holidays. It’s rich, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, often being the highlight of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. This classic Southern recipe combines homemade cornbread, savory seasonings, and a medley of vegetables to create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from Mama herself.
Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the centerpiece of your holiday spread, this cornbread dressing is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s how you can make it from scratch!
Ingredients for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing
For the Cornbread:
- 1 cup (150 g) cornmeal
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter or vegetable oil
For the Dressing:
- 8 cups (about 2 batches) crumbled cornbread
- 4 slices of day-old bread, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or turkey broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp sage (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper