Description
This old fashioned southern cornbread dressing is a classic, comforting dish featuring a golden-brown crust and a moist, savory center, perfect for any family meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 21 oz (600 g) stale cornbread, crumbled into roughly 0.75 inch (2 cm) pieces
- 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, (or use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option)
- 1 large (approx. 8.8 oz / 250 g) onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks (approx. 5.3 oz / 150 g) celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.9 cups (700 ml) vegetable broth, (low-sodium chicken broth works beautifully too)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) za’atar seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) dried sage
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fine sea salt, or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 3-quart (3-liter) baking dish to ensure a perfect release.
- Crumble Cornbread: Crumble 21 oz (600 g) stale cornbread into 0.75 inch (2 cm) pieces in a large bowl. Day-old cornbread absorbs liquid best, creating ideal texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery for 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables to the cornbread. In a separate bowl, whisk 2.9 cups (700 ml) vegetable broth, 3 beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) za’atar, 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) dried sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Dressing Base: Pour the savory liquid over the cornbread, stirring gently until just moistened (like wet sand). If it looks dry, splash in 1-2 tablespoons more broth.
- Transfer to Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish (a 9×13 inch pan is perfect) and spread evenly.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 40-45 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), until golden brown and set in the center. A skewer should come out clean.
Notes
For best results, consider homemade cornbread. You can boost flavor with a pinch of poultry seasoning or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. For quicker meal prep, use a prepared cornbread mix or pre-chopped mirepoix. Adjust broth for moisture or add extra bell peppers for fiber.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 180 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg