Mama’s Cornbread Dressing!
Down here we make our dressing with cornbread. Period. But since my mama’s not a native Southerner, she does things a tiny bit differently… and everyone LOVES it!
She came up with a recipe that’s a compromise between traditional cornbread dressing and traditional stuffing that everyone loves by adding traditional packaged stuffing mix to the cornbread. And it’s amazing!
My deep-rooted southern family LOVES this dressing and I’m not even sure most of them realize there’s regular bread stuffing in the mix!
We always add chopped boiled eggs to our dressing (though I didn’t when this picture was taken because I had a bunch of Canadians in the house and didn’t want to scare them off).
You can add boiled eggs, crumbled sage sausage, oysters, sautéed green peppers or just about anything your family likes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful blend of Southern tradition and a touch of something new, making it a hit at every family gathering. The addition of the stuffing mix adds a unique texture and flavor that even the most traditional palates enjoy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Bulb baster
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
- 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Turkey broth
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they are tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread and cornbread.
- Add the sautéed onions and celery, including their cooking liquid, to the bread mixture.
- Season with salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning, mixing thoroughly.
- Using a bulb baster, gradually add turkey broth to the mixture until it becomes very moist.
- Stir in the beaten eggs, then transfer the mixture to a large greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the dressing is nicely browned.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cornbread and toasted bread are finely crumbled for the best texture.
- The dressing should be moist but not soggy before baking, so add the broth gradually.
- For added flavor, consider using homemade turkey broth.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to personalize this dressing by adding chopped boiled eggs, crumbled sage sausage, oysters, or sautéed green peppers. Customize it to suit your family’s tastes!
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dressing is a hearty side dish, rich in flavor and packed with savory goodness. Exact nutritional values will vary based on any additional ingredients you include.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth?
Sure! Chicken broth can be a great substitute if you don’t have turkey broth on hand.
Conclusion
Give Mama’s Cornbread Dressing a try at your next gathering and watch it become a new family favorite. Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your taste, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!
Source: Allrecipes
