Name: Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup whole buttermilk; 1 (14 ounce) bag herb-seasoned stuffing, such as Pepperidge Farm; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, divided; 2 cups finely chopped sweet onion; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery; 5 cups chicken or turkey stock; 5 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 teaspoons dried sage; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

If you love nostalgic comfort food that brings the whole family around the table, you’re going to adore this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—moist, flavorful, and loaded with that beautiful blend of classic cornbread and aromatic herbs. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a holiday favorite in my home, and honestly, any day you want to feel cozy and satisfied. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this recipe every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Southern Comfort: Combines homemade cornbread and classic herbs to make that soul-warming dressing you crave.
Texture Heaven: Crispy golden top with a tender, moist inside—just the way Southern dressing should be.
Family Favorite: My loved ones go crazy for this, and it often disappears before dinner’s even done.
Reliable & Easy: With clear steps and handy tips, it’s foolproof even if you’re new to cornbread dressing.

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden brown crumbly topping that is crunchy and uneven, covering a greenish-yellow layer beneath. The topping has a rough texture with small browned bits, and a scoop has been taken out from one corner, showing the thick, soft interior with visible small chunks inside. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with soft, natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe calls for some classic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that balance each other beautifully. The cornbread base is buttery and sweet, while the sautéed onions and celery add a tender crunch. Make sure to pick good quality stock—it really makes a difference!

Yellow cornmeal: Use stone-ground if you can for nice texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps give the cornbread structure and tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to give the cornbread a subtle sweetness.
Baking powder: Essential for that light, fluffy cornbread crumb.
Kosher salt: Don’t skimp here—seasoning is key for balanced flavor.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and add moisture.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and to control salt levels.
Whole buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the cornbread moist.
Herb-seasoned stuffing mix: I like Pepperidge Farm for its texture and herby flavor.
Sweet onion: Finely chopped for gentle sweetness.
Celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and freshness.
Chicken or turkey stock: For that deep, savory flavor—homemade or store-bought both work.
Dried sage: Classic Southern spice that ties the dressing together.
Freshly cracked black pepper: For just the right amount of zing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I encourage you to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played with adding a few tweaks here and there depending on what I had on hand or who I was cooking for.

Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap sage with a mix of thyme and rosemary for a different aromatic note, and it’s just as heartwarming.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or turkey stock and skip the butter swap for a plant-based butter alternative.
Add Sausage: For a meatier option, cook some spicy breakfast sausage and fold it into the dressing before baking—I love how it amps up the flavor.
Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne or infused red pepper flakes brings a nice little kick that wakes up the traditional flavors.

How to Make Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Bake Your Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 10-inch cast iron skillet. I love using cast iron because it develops a beautiful crust while keeping the cornbread moist inside. Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl—cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—and in another, whisk your eggs, melted butter, and whole buttermilk.

Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine and help keep your cornbread tender. Pour your batter into the hot skillet—the sizzle you hear is a good sign—and bake for around 16 to 19 minutes, until the top is golden yellow. Once done, remove it carefully and let it cool. This cool-down step prevents your dressing from becoming mushy later.

Step 2: Prep the Dressing Base

Preheat your oven now to 350°F, and while that’s heating, crumble your cooled cornbread into small pieces—it should make about 5 cups. Toss the cornbread with the herb-seasoned stuffing mix in a large bowl or stockpot. This combo gives the dressing that unbeatable depth of flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat, then add the finely chopped sweet onions and celery. Stir frequently and cook them until they’re soft and translucent—about 10 to 12 minutes. This step develops sweetness and removes any raw bite, which is crucial for a balanced dressing.

Once they’re ready, fold them into your cornbread mixture.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Next, melt your remaining stick of butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken or turkey stock, eggs, and dried sage. Pour this wet mixture over the cornbread mix, stirring gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly incorporated. This is also the moment to season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper—you’ll want to taste and adjust here if possible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the dressing feels set but still moist inside. That top crust is one reason this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe makes my holidays so special—it adds that irresistible texture contrast.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Use Cast Iron for Cornbread: It creates a crusty exterior that adds incredible texture to your dressing base.
Don’t Skip Cooling the Cornbread: Warm cornbread will make your dressing soggy—cool completely for best results.
Season as You Go: I taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking to avoid bland dressing.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold your wet and dry ingredients to keep your dressing light and fluffy, not dense.

How to Serve Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a warm, golden brown crumbly casserole, with a texture that is slightly rough and uneven, showing small chunks and crumbs on top. The casserole has a soft, moist inside with visible bits of what looks like vegetables mixed in, mainly light green pieces. A metal spoon lifts a portion of the casserole from the middle, showing the golden brown crunchy crust on top and the softer, pale yellow and green inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped green onions right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness. Some folks love a drizzle of melted butter on top, especially right out of the oven, and honestly, who can argue with that?

Side Dishes

This dressing pairs so well with roasted turkey or baked ham, especially for holiday meals. I also love serving it alongside collard greens, candied yams, and cranberry sauce—the classic Southern feast that just makes the table come alive.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake the dressing in cute mini casserole dishes or individual ramekins—makes serving easier and looks adorable. Another time, I layered it with extra sausage and topped it with crispy fried onions for a southern-inspired twist that was a huge hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the dressing cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. In the fridge, it stays great for 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick reheats throughout the week or holiday leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I portion the dressing into freezer-safe containers or wrap the casserole dish tightly in plastic and foil. When thawed, it still tastes fresh and maintains its texture—just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop it into a 350°F oven, covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that golden crunch I love.

FAQs

Can I make Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to baking the dressing, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake it fresh on the day you want to serve—it tastes just as delicious and is a huge time saver.
What can I substitute for herb-seasoned stuffing mix?

If you can’t find herb-seasoned stuffing, unseasoned bread cubes mixed with your own fresh or dried herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme work great. Just toast or bake the bread cubes beforehand to dry them out.
Does this Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly to restore that lovely texture.
Can I use only boxed stuffing for this recipe?

You could, but I highly recommend making the cornbread part from scratch. It adds a depth of flavor and texture that boxed stuffing alone can’t replicate—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Final Thoughts

This Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s a little bit of tradition, a little bit of love, and a whole lot of comfort. Whenever I serve it, the compliments roll in and the seconds disappear fast. I hope you give it a try and find it as heartwarming as I do—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any time you need a taste of home.