Every time I think about family gatherings, I can’t help but smile as I remember the warm, inviting aroma of *Mama’s cornbread dressing* wafting through the house. It’s been a staple at our holiday meals for as long as I can remember, bringing everyone together around the table. The unique blend of savory herbs, the sweetness of cornbread, and that buttery richness—it’s like a hug in a dish! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a cherished tradition. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting reminder of home and love, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 beaten eggs
How to Prepare *Mama’s Cornbread Dressing*
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your dressing cooks evenly throughout. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy center or overly crispy edges!
Combine the Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and start mixing together the crumbled cornbread, chopped celery, chopped onion, dried sage, dried thyme, and black pepper. I love to break up any larger pieces of cornbread so that it all blends beautifully. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The aroma of those herbs will have you dreaming of holiday feasts!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten eggs. This mixture is the magic potion that adds moisture to your dressing, making it rich and flavorful. Make sure it’s well combined, so every bite turns out deliciously creamy.
Combine Mixtures and Bake
Now, pour your wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is evenly moistened. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish—I usually use a 9×13-inch one, but any similar-sized dish will do. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it in the oven to bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday meal prep!
- The flavor is out of this world—savory, buttery, and oh-so-comforting!
- It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a stand-alone dish.
- You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the herbs or adding your favorite mix-ins.
- It can be made a day in advance, so you can relax and enjoy your time with family.
- This dressing is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone going back for seconds!
- The delightful aroma while it bakes will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
To truly nail *Mama’s cornbread dressing*, here are a few tips that I swear by! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—maybe you prefer a little more sage or a kick of pepper? Go for it! Also, if you’re planning to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and it’ll still be fresh and delicious.
When it comes to serving, I love to drizzle a bit of gravy over the top or serve it alongside cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast. It’s also fantastic with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for that extra pop of color and flavor. Trust me, these little touches can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for *Mama’s cornbread dressing*, based on a serving size of 1 cup. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This hearty dish packs a good amount of flavor while still being a comforting side. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s a tasty part of your meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cornbread can save you time and still yield delicious results. Just crumble it up and follow the recipe as usual. I’ve done it before, and it turns out just as tasty!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can definitely make a vegan version of *Mama’s cornbread dressing*! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Just keep an eye on the butter; you can swap it with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Some people love adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even dried cranberries for a sweet twist. Just remember to balance the flavors so your dressing remains the star of the show!
What if I want it to be spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. It’s a great way to kick things up a notch while still keeping that comforting base of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing *Mama’s cornbread dressing* is super easy! Once it’s cool, just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to keep it nice and moist. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
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Mama’s Cornbread Dressing: 7 Secrets to Comforting Deliciousness
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty cornbread dressing perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage, dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, celery, onion, sage, thyme, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, mix the chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
- Pour the broth mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Can be made a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Great as a side dish for turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mamas cornbread dressing, cornbread dressing, southern dressing
