“Classic Southern Cornbread Stuffing”

 

Classic Southern Cornbread Stuffing 🍞✨

A heartwarming holiday staple, rich with Southern flavor and tradition

Few dishes capture the comfort and soul of Southern cooking quite like Classic Cornbread Stuffing. Golden, buttery, and savory, this side dish has graced Southern tables for generations — especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every bite brings together tender crumbles of homemade cornbread, sautéed vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a touch of nostalgia.

Unlike traditional bread-based stuffing, Southern cornbread dressing (as it’s often called in the South) is all about flavor and texture — moist yet hearty, with just the right balance of crunch around the edges. It’s the kind of dish that instantly feels like home.

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

• 2 cups cornmeal mix (self-rising preferred)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup melted butter or oil

For the Stuffing:

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (preferably a day old)

• 1 tablespoon butter or oil

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 2–3 cups chicken broth (enough to moisten)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage and thyme)

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Bake the Cornbread:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine cornmeal mix, buttermilk, eggs, and butter until smooth. Pour into a greased skillet or baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden. Cool completely, then crumble into large pieces.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Mix the Stuffing:
   In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Stir in chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is moist but not soupy. Add beaten eggs and mix gently.

4. Bake to Perfection:
   Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and crisp around the edges.

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🍗 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm alongside roast turkey, ham, or fried chicken. It’s also wonderful with giblet gravy or a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a true Southern feast.

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💛 Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

• Add Flavor: Stir in cooked sausage, chopped boiled eggs, or a handful of fresh herbs for extra richness.

• For a Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth — it’s just as flavorful!

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🌽 A Taste of Southern Tradition

Classic Southern Cornbread Stuffing isn’t just a side dish — it’s a tradition passed down through generations. Every cook adds their own touch, but the heart of the recipe remains the same: simple ingredients, rich flavor, and the warmth of home-cooked comfort. Whether it’s Thanksgiving Day or a Sunday supper, this dish brings everyone back to the table with a smile.