The holidays are just around the corner, and for many of us, that means one thing: delicious food. And what’s more festive than a warm, savory cornbread dressing right out of the oven? Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern-style recipe or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering cornbread dressing recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From the spicy kick of jalapeño and cheese to the sweet and savory combination of apples and pecans, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Stay tuned for a culinary tour around the world, as we explore the many flavors and textures that make cornbread dressing such a beloved holiday tradition.
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
This recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine, combining crispy cornbread with savory herbs and spices to create the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1 teaspoon sage
– 1/2 teaspoon thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery in melted butter until tender.
3. Add crumbled cornbread, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
This classic Southern cornbread dressing recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed.
Herb-Infused Cornbread Dressing
Elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday spread with this flavorful cornbread dressing infused with fresh herbs and a hint of savory goodness. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to their traditional stuffing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornbread, parsley, sage, scallions, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
3. Stir in melted butter and chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
4. Pour the dressing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Cornbread Dressing
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory and satisfying side dish that combines the richness of bacon, cheddar cheese, and cornbread. Perfect for stuffing or serving alongside your favorite roasted meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley, scallions, and melted butter. Mix well.
4. Add poultry seasoning, 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
Jalapeño and Cheese Cornbread Dressing
This spicy cornbread dressing combines the warmth of jalapeños with the creaminess of cheddar cheese, perfect for elevating your holiday meals. With its crispy texture and bold flavor, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh jalapeño peppers
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 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 jalapeños in melted butter until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked jalapeños, grated cheese, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning.
4. Mix well until the dressing is evenly coated with the wet ingredients.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sausage and Sage Cornbread Dressing
This savory dressing is a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standalone side dish. The combination of crispy cornbread, sausage, and fresh sage creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to become a holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
3. Add melted butter, onion, garlic, sage, and poultry seasoning to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in crumbled cornbread and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Cornbread Dressing with Cranberries
This recipe combines the warmth of sweet cornbread with the tartness of cranberries, creating a unique and flavorful dressing perfect for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread crumbs (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine cornbread crumbs, melted butter, cranberries, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is lightly toasted.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and heavy cream.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the cornbread mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the dressing into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing
Add a savory twist to your holiday meals with this gluten-free cornbread dressing recipe. Made with fresh herbs and crispy cornbread, it’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups gluten-free cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the celery, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked vegetable mixture, chicken broth, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Cornbread Dressing
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory and slightly spicy cornbread dressing infused with the deep flavors of smoky chipotles. This recipe is perfect for pairing with roasted meats or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (use gloves when handling)
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add chipotle pepper and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, chicken broth, melted butter, sautéed onion mixture, and sage. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer 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 Apples and Pecans
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory cornbread dressing infused with crisp apples and crunchy pecans. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add diced apple and cook until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked apple mixture, chopped pecans, melted butter, and poultry seasoning.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the dressing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Cornbread Dressing
Add a savory twist to your holiday meals with this flavorful vegetarian cornbread dressing. Made with fresh herbs and cornbread crumbs, it’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cornbread crumbs
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped scallions, parsley, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the herbs are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked herb mixture, cornbread crumbs, and thyme.
5. Toss until well combined and the dressing is crumbly.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Mushrooms and Thyme
This classic Southern-style dressing gets a boost of earthy flavor from sautéed mushrooms and a hint of thyme. Perfect for accompanying your favorite roasted meats or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, cubed
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender.
3. Add garlic, thyme, and cornbread cubes; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in chicken broth and 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 lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cornbread Dressing with Chorizo
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful cornbread dressing infused with spicy chorizo and a hint of smokiness. This recipe is perfect for those who like a little heat in their Thanksgiving or Christmas sides.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chorizo over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, melted butter, cooked chorizo mixture, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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
Cornbread Dressing with Caramelized Onions
Elevate your holiday meal with this rich and flavorful cornbread dressing, infused with the deep sweetness of caramelized onions. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of homemade cornbread with the complexity of sautéed onions for a show-stopping side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup turkey drippings (or vegetable oil)
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Caramelize the onions by cooking them in butter over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark golden brown.
3. In a large skillet, combine crumbled cornbread, caramelized onions, chicken broth, and turkey drippings (or oil). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and dried sage to taste.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Dried Apricots
This cornbread dressing is a twist on the classic Southern staple, adding natural sweetness from dried apricots and a hint of spice. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, melted butter, sautéed onion mixture, chopped apricots, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour dressing into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Roasted Garlic
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory cornbread dressing infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves roasted garlic (see note), minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the crumbled cornbread in melted butter until lightly toasted.
3. Add chopped parsley, roasted garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour in chicken broth and stir until dressing is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer dressing 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 2 cloves of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until soft and mashed.
Cornbread Dressing with Butternut Squash
This autumnal twist on traditional cornbread dressing adds natural sweetness from roasted butternut squash, perfect for accompanying your holiday turkey or chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roast the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon butter until tender, about 45 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, roasted squash, sautéed mixture, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in chicken broth and mix until the dressing is moist but not soggy.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Italian Sausage
This recipe combines the warm comfort of cornbread with the spicy kick of Italian sausage, creating a unique and flavorful dressing perfect for your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cubed cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add melted butter, onion, and garlic to the skillet; cook until vegetables are softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, cooked sausage mixture, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Honey Butter Glaze
This classic Southern-style dressing gets a sweet twist with the addition of honey butter glaze, perfect for your holiday table. Moist cornbread crumbs and crispy celery add depth to this savory-sweet side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the celery in butter until crispy.
3. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked celery to the cornbread mixture; stir until combined.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Honey Butter Glaze:
1. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and honey until smooth.
2. Brush the glaze over the dressing during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your holiday table with these 18 savory cornbread dressing recipes! From classic Southern-style to spicy Jalapeño-infused and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. Try adding smoky chipotle peppers or roasted garlic for a twist, or keep it simple with a sweet cornbread dressing featuring cranberries. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free options or vegetarian delights, this collection has got you covered. With flavors ranging from cheesy to herb-infused and everything in between, these recipes are sure to become new holiday traditions.
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