Name: Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cornbread, crumbled (preferably day-old) 1 cup yellow onion, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1/2 cup unsalted butter 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms (optional)

This Best Dressing Recipe for Thanksgiving is everything you crave from a holiday side: golden crispy edges, moist and savory in the center, and loaded with comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes a second helping absolutely necessary and is almost always gone before the turkey. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this classic cornbread-based version is an absolute must-have on the Thanksgiving table.

The aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen—onions and celery sautéing in butter, herby notes of sage and thyme floating through the air, and that perfect hint of golden-baked cornbread. Make it ahead, make it fresh, or bake it right alongside the turkey—this recipe is foolproof and always satisfying.

What Kind of Cornbread Should I Use?

For this dressing, a homemade batch of cornbread made a day ahead works best. It should be slightly dry or even stale so it absorbs all the flavorful broth and seasonings without becoming mushy. If you’re short on time, a store-bought mix will do—just avoid sweet versions, as they can throw off the savory balance. Aim for a rustic, crumbly texture.

Ingredients for the Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Cornbread
The star of the show. Opt for a day-old batch for best texture.

Yellow Onion
Adds sweetness and aromatic depth.

Celery
Brings a slight crunch and classic flavor to every bite.

Unsalted Butter
Used for sautéing and adds rich flavor throughout.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Moistens the cornbread and enhances the overall savoriness.

Fresh Sage & Thyme
These herbs are essential for that nostalgic Thanksgiving aroma and flavor.

Eggs
Help bind everything together while adding moisture.

Salt & Black Pepper
Season to taste for perfect balance.

Optional: Cooked Sausage or Mushrooms
Adds heartiness if you want to level up the dish.

How To Make the Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Prep the Cornbread Base

Break your day-old cornbread into small crumbles and spread it out on a large baking sheet to air-dry further while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant—about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme during the last minute to release their aroma.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the sautéed veggies. Whisk the eggs and broth together, then pour over the cornbread mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly moistened. Add salt and pepper to taste. If using sausage or mushrooms, fold them in at this stage.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon in the dressing mixture, spreading it evenly. Press lightly to pack it just enough without compacting it too much.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp, and the inside is hot and set. For extra crispy edges, bake uncovered. For a softer texture, loosely tent with foil for the first 20 minutes.

How to Serve and Store Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Serve this dressing warm straight from the oven, either as a side to turkey or as the star dish for a vegetarian meal. It pairs beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce. To add some flair, garnish with extra thyme or a drizzle of warm pan drippings.

To store leftovers, let the dressing cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to one month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Traditionally, stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, while dressing is baked separately in a dish. This recipe is technically a dressing—but many use the terms interchangeably.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish the day before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure your broth and any additional mix-ins are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried sage and thyme as you would fresh—start with 1 teaspoon each and adjust to taste.