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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 combines the comforting taste of cornbread dressing with the familiar flavors of traditional stuffing, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. The versatility of the ingredients means you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences, and it’s sure to become a staple at your holiday table.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking pan or 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
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet; add the onions and celery and sauté until tender.
- Combine the toasted bread and cornbread in a large bowl and mix.
- Add the onions and celery along with their cooking liquid, salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Using a bulb baster, add just enough turkey giblet broth to make a very moist mixture.
- Stir in the beaten eggs and scrape the dressing into a large greased baking pan or dish.
- Bake in a 400°F oven until the dressing is nicely browned, about 30-40 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cornbread is finely crumbled to help it blend well with the other ingredients.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before baking to make sure the flavors are just right.
- Keep an eye on the dressing in the oven to prevent it from drying out; it should be golden brown and moist.
Additional Tips or Variations
You can personalize this recipe by incorporating ingredients like crumbled sage sausage, sautéed green peppers, oysters, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in flavor and provides a hearty serving of carbohydrates and fats, perfect for a festive meal. For those watching their sodium intake, consider reducing the added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the turkey broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
What can I use instead of cornbread? For a different twist, try using a combination of white and whole-grain bread crumbs.
Conclusion
This delightful cornbread dressing is a wonderful blend of tradition and flavor that will surely impress your family and friends. I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any unique twists you bring to the table!
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