Mama’s Cornbread Dressing!

Introduction

In the heart of Southern kitchens, cornbread dressing reigns supreme. But when my mama, who isn’t originally from the South, decided to make her own version, she created something special that captures the best of both worlds. Combining traditional cornbread dressing with packaged stuffing mix, her recipe has become a beloved dish in our family. Even the most traditional members of our Southern family adore it, often unaware of the sneaky addition of regular bread stuffing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between two classic dishes, offering a flavor that is both familiar and unique. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your family’s tastes by adding ingredients like boiled eggs, crumbled sage sausage, or even oysters. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cornbread dressing or stuffing, this recipe is sure to please your palate.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Basting bulb
• Large greased baking pan or dish

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

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and sauté until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled toasted bread and cornbread.
3. Add the sautéed onions and celery, along with any cooking liquid, to the bowl. Mix well.
4. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning, and mix thoroughly.
5. Using a bulb baster, add just enough turkey giblet broth to make the mixture very moist.
6. Stir in the beaten eggs and transfer the mixture to a large greased baking pan or dish.
7. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven until the dressing is nicely browned, about 30-40 minutes.

Tips for Success

Make sure your bread and cornbread are finely crumbled for the best texture. Adjust the broth amount to achieve your desired moistness—this is key to great dressing! Also, be careful not to overbake, as the dressing can dry out quickly.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to personalize this recipe with your favorite add-ins. Chopped boiled eggs, crumbled sausage, or even sautéed green peppers can add extra flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding oysters for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is rich in flavor and provides a hearty serving of carbohydrates and protein. Keep in mind that the nutritional content will vary based on the ingredients you choose to add.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth? Absolutely! Chicken broth is a great substitute if turkey broth isn’t available.

What if I don’t have a bulb baster? You can carefully pour the broth over the mixture, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Give Mama’s Cornbread Dressing a try and discover why it’s a family favorite. Its delightful combination of flavors is sure to make it a staple at your family gatherings. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please share your experiences and any personal twists you’ve added!