Mama’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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A golden, buttery crust on top with moist, savory cornbread beneath — Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is the soul of any Southern holiday table. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a time machine back to grandma’s kitchen, full of laughter, love, and the comforting aroma of sage and sweet onions wafting from the oven.

Made with a base of homemade (or shortcut) cornbread, this dressing is richly seasoned, dotted with tender celery and sweet corn, and baked until beautifully crisp on top. Whether you’re gathering around for Thanksgiving or simply craving Southern comfort, this dressing is the kind of dish that brings people together, plate after plate.

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Can I Use Boxed Cornbread Mix for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing?

Absolutely. While traditionalists may insist on from-scratch cornbread, a good quality boxed mix (like Jiffy) can absolutely hold its own. Just make sure it’s baked a day ahead so it can dry out a bit—that helps soak up all the flavorful broth later.

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Ingredients for Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread
The star of the show. Homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s slightly dry so it can absorb the broth and flavors.

Celery
Adds a lovely crunch and a fresh, grassy note that balances the richness of the dish.

Onions
Sautéed until soft and sweet, they form the flavor base alongside the celery.

Butter
Used to cook the veggies and add that unmistakable Southern richness.

Chicken or Turkey Broth
Adds moisture and deep, savory flavor. Homemade is best, but store-bought works perfectly fine.

Eggs
Bind everything together so your dressing slices up nice and clean.

Cream of Chicken Soup (optional)
For an extra creamy finish—perfect if you grew up with this shortcut.

Fresh Herbs (like sage, thyme, and rosemary)
Brings depth, aroma, and that classic holiday flavor.

Salt & Pepper
Always to taste, as the broth and soup may already have seasoning.

Sweet Corn (optional)
Little pops of sweetness scattered throughout. Especially great if serving kids.

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How To Make the Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Bake (or Prep) Your Cornbread

If you’re making your cornbread from scratch, bake it a day ahead to let it dry slightly. This helps it absorb the broth and flavors better. If you’re using boxed mix, do the same—just prepare and bake it according to package instructions.

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Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and soft, about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part—you want those flavors mellow and sweet.

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Step 3: Crumble and Combine

Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, sweet corn if using, and chopped fresh herbs. Give it a gentle mix to distribute evenly.

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Step 4: Add Liquids and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, and cream of chicken soup (if using). Pour the mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir gently. The texture should be moist but not soupy—adjust with a little extra broth if needed.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the dressing mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the center is set.

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How to Serve and Store Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

This dressing is made for gathering. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, as the ultimate sidekick to roast turkey, baked ham, or even fried chicken. A drizzle of turkey gravy on top? Absolutely encouraged.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. It also freezes beautifully—wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish the day before and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I Use Cornbread Stuffing Mix Instead of Cornbread?

You can, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ. Fresh or homemade-style cornbread gives a richer, more traditional taste.

How Do I Know When It’s Done Baking?

The top should be golden brown and the center should feel firm when gently pressed. If it jiggles, give it more time.

Is Cream of Chicken Soup Necessary?

Not at all! It’s optional and used for extra moisture and flavor. You can skip it or use more broth instead.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and skip the cream of chicken soup. Add more sautéed mushrooms or even cooked lentils for depth.

What If My Dressing Seems Too Dry?

Add a bit more broth or a drizzle of melted butter before baking. Keep an eye while it bakes and cover with foil if it starts to dry out too much.

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Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this Southern classic has you craving more cozy dishes, you’ll love exploring these reader favorites next:

• Easy Weeknight Tater Tot Casserole for a crispy, cheesy bite everyone loves.
• Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole when you need something creamy, flaky, and filling.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to bring restaurant-style comfort to your table.
• Mushroom Mozzarella Bake for a vegetarian-friendly hug in a dish.
• Cinnamon-Sweet Alabama Pecanbread if you want to end your meal on a sweet, nutty note.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s just a tap away come Thanksgiving (or whenever the craving hits): Life with Jam on Pinterest

And don’t forget to share how your Mama’s Cornbread Dressing turned out! Did you go classic, or add your own twist? Maybe extra herbs or a spicy kick? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

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