Cornbread stuffing is a soul-warming Southern classic that brings together tender, crumbly cornbread, savory vegetables, herbs, and rich broth to create the perfect holiday side dish. It’s often served during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, but it’s so good that you’ll want to make it all year round. This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and slightly crisp-edged stuffing that complements turkey, chicken, or even pork roasts beautifully.
Ingredients
6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought, preferably a day old)
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup milk or cream
Optional additions: ½ cup cooked sausage, ½ cup chopped pecans, or ½ cup dried cranberries for extra flavor
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and parsley, allowing the spices to bloom for a minute. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Gently mix to distribute evenly. In another bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, and milk. Gradually pour this mixture over the cornbread mixture, stirring gently until everything is moistened but not soggy. You want a consistency that holds together when pressed but isn’t mushy. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Methods
The key to perfect cornbread stuffing lies in the texture of the cornbread. It should be slightly dry so it absorbs the liquid without falling apart. You can make cornbread a day ahead and let it sit out overnight. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients gently keeps the texture fluffy inside while maintaining a crunchy top layer. For added depth, cook sausage or bacon first and use its drippings for sautéing vegetables.
History
Cornbread stuffing (also called cornbread dressing in the South) traces its roots back to early Native American cuisine, where cornbread was a dietary staple. Over time, enslaved African and European settlers adapted it, adding herbs, vegetables, and broths. It became a cherished dish of Southern culture, representing comfort and resourcefulness—using simple, local ingredients to create something deeply satisfying.
Benefits
Cornbread stuffing is rich in fiber from cornmeal and vegetables, offers protein from eggs and broth, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Using whole-grain cornmeal or gluten-free cornbread can make it a healthier, allergy-friendly dish. It’s also a versatile side that can be adapted to suit vegetarians or meat lovers alike.
Formation
To create a balanced flavor, combine sweetness from cornbread with savory elements like herbs, onion, and celery. The moisture from broth and eggs binds the ingredients together, while baking transforms it into a lightly crisp, golden masterpiece.
Nutrition (per serving, approximately)
Calories: 260
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
Cornbread stuffing is the heart of any comforting feast. Its golden crust, soft interior, and fragrant herbs make it irresistible. Whether you serve it with roast turkey, chicken, or simply as a vegetarian main dish, it delivers nostalgia, warmth, and flavor in every bite.
Lovers of this Dish
Cornbread stuffing is adored by traditional Southern cooks, holiday enthusiasts, and anyone who loves old-fashioned comfort food. Families often pass down their own variations—some with sausage, some with oysters, others with a touch of sweetness—but they all share the same spirit: gathering around the table to celebrate flavor and togetherness.
