Ah, the quintessential Southern staple: cornbread dressing. There’s nothing quite like it to bring warmth and comfort to your holiday table. And when it comes to this beloved side dish, African American cuisine takes center stage with its rich cultural heritage and creative twists on a classic recipe.
From traditional Southern-style dressings infused with sausage or herbs, to bold and spicy variations featuring jalapeños or chorizo, the diversity of African American cornbread dressing recipes is truly something to celebrate. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the best of African American cuisine.
Southern-style cornbread dressing with sausage
This classic Southern-style cornbread dressing recipe gets a savory boost from the addition of cooked sausage, creating a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the cooked sausage, cornbread, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Classic buttermilk cornbread dressing with herbs
This beloved dressing recipe combines the warmth of cornbread, the tanginess of buttermilk, and the freshness of herbs to create a perfect side dish for your holiday table. With its tender texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter, buttermilk, chicken broth, sage, and poultry seasoning. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is moist and combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky bacon and cornbread dressing
Elevate your holiday table with this savory cornbread dressing infused with the rich flavors of smoky bacon and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 slices of smoky bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the crumbled bacon and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cornbread, melted butter, cooked onion mixture, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Transfer the dressing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cajun-spiced cornbread dressing with shrimp
This savory cornbread dressing gets a bold boost from the addition of succulent shrimp and the warm, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions (white and green parts)
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1/2 cup cooked, peeled shrimp
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the green onions, celery, and bell pepper until tender.
3. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and heated through.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed mixture, and melted butter. Mix well to combine.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet cornbread dressing with cranberries
Sweet Cornbread Dressing with Cranberries: A Twist on a Classic
This sweet cornbread dressing with cranberries is the perfect addition to your holiday meal. The combination of moist cornbread, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter mixture, pecan halves, cranberries, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning (if using). Mix well.
- Transfer the dressing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Savory cornbread dressing with turkey and sage
Elevate your holiday meal with this savory cornbread dressing, infused with the warm flavors of turkey and sage. This comforting side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound cooked turkey, diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the crumbled cornbread, diced turkey, melted butter, dried sage, and poultry seasoning. Cook until the mixture is lightly toasted.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the dressing is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian cornbread dressing with mushrooms
This flavorful cornbread dressing is a perfect side dish for your holiday gatherings, featuring sautéed mushrooms and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender.
3. Add garlic, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, mushroom mixture, and chicken broth. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy jalapeño cornbread dressing
Elevate your Thanksgiving table with this spicy and savory cornbread dressing, packed with crunchy jalapeños and a hint of cumin.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped jalapeños (about 2-3 peppers)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the jalapeños and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked jalapeño mixture, cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until the dressing is moist but not soggy.
6. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy cornbread dressing with cheddar
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory and satisfying cornbread dressing recipe, bursting with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese. This comforting side dish is perfect for stuffing turkey or serving alongside roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the crumbled cornbread, melted butter, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cornbread dressing with collard greens and ham
This hearty dressing combines the warmth of cornbread with the earthy flavor of collard greens and the richness of ham, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 cups chopped collard greens
– 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the collard greens and cook until wilted.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked greens mixture, diced ham, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until the dressing is evenly moistened.
6. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Southern cornbread dressing with pecans
This classic Southern cornbread dressing gets a nutty twist with the addition of crunchy pecans. Perfect for serving alongside roasted turkey or chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant and lightly toasted.
3. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
4. Add the toasted pecans to the cornbread mixture and stir until combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour the dressing into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread dressing with roasted garlic and thyme
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory cornbread dressing infused with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and thyme. This recipe is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped roasted garlic (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery in butter until softened.
3. Add the crumbled cornbread, roasted garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Note: To roast garlic, preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the top off of 2-3 cloves of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender. Squeeze out the roasted garlic and chop as needed.
Sweet potato and cornbread dressing
This sweet potato and cornbread dressing is a delicious spin on traditional stuffing, incorporating the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of crumbled cornbread. Perfect for your next holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, melted butter, and poultry seasoning. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cornbread dressing with smoked turkey and onions
Elevate your holiday table with this savory cornbread dressing infused with the rich flavors of smoked turkey and caramelized onions. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon smoked turkey broth (or regular turkey broth)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced onion over medium heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together crumbled cornbread, cooked onion, parsley, sage, chicken broth, heavy cream, melted butter, and smoked turkey broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cornbread dressing with apples and raisins
This moist and flavorful cornbread dressing is infused with the sweetness of apples and raisins, perfect for a comforting side dish or as a twist on traditional stuffing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Fuji)
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add apple and cook until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, cooked apple mixture, raisins, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in melted butter and chicken broth; mix until crumbly.
6. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cornbread dressing with roasted red peppers
Elevate your Thanksgiving table with this savory and sweet cornbread dressing infused with roasted red peppers. This recipe is a perfect blend of traditional Southern flavors and modern twists.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup roasted red peppers (see note), diced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the cornbread in butter until lightly toasted.
3. In a large bowl, combine the toasted cornbread, chicken broth, roasted red peppers, parsley, and cheese. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread dressing with black-eyed peas
A twist on traditional cornbread dressing, this recipe adds the creamy goodness of black-eyed peas to create a moist and flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the crumbled cornbread, cooked black-eyed peas, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread dressing with chorizo and cilantro
Add a bold twist to your holiday menu with this flavorful cornbread dressing, infused with the spicy kick of chorizo and the freshness of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound cooked chorizo, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the chorizo and cook until heated through.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, chorizo mixture, cilantro, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in the melted butter and chicken broth until the dressing is moistened.
6. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread dressing with caramelized onions and bacon
This savory cornbread dressing recipe combines the richness of caramelized onions and crispy bacon with the warmth of cornbread, perfect for your holiday table. With its depth of flavor and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Caramelize the onions by cooking them in butter over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a large skillet, combine cooked bacon and caramelized onions; set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients (cornbread) and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the beaten eggs and crumbled bacon-onion mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cornbread dressing with roasted corn and poblano peppers
Elevate your holiday table with this savory cornbread dressing infused with the sweet, smoky flavors of roasted corn and poblano peppers. This recipe is perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 cup roasted corn kernels (see note)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, roasted corn kernels, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, skillet mixture, and chopped cilantro.
5. Mix well until the dressing is evenly coated with the skillet mixture.
6. Transfer the dressing to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: To roast corn kernels, preheat oven to 400°F. Place 1 cup of corn kernels on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your holiday table with these 20 mouthwatering African American cornbread dressing recipes! From classic Southern-style dressings to bold Cajun-inspired flavors, there’s something for everyone. Savor the smoky goodness of bacon and sausage, or try something new like shrimp, cranberries, or roasted garlic. For a vegetarian option, indulge in mushrooms or black-eyed peas. And for a sweet twist, try apples and raisins or sweet potatoes! Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
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