Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Get Ready for Paula Deen’s Dressing

Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary tradition, particularly cherished during festive seasons and family get-togethers. This classic Southern staple is known for its moist texture, rich savory flavors, and comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. Unlike store-bought alternatives, preparing this dish from scratch ensures a depth of flavor and a homemade touch that simply cannot be replicated. It’s a labor of love that rewards you with an incredibly satisfying side dish, perfect alongside your holiday turkey or a simple Sunday roast. Get ready to create a memorable centerpiece that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This homemade cornbread dressing truly embodies the essence of southern hospitality and comforting cuisine, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table.

Prep Time and Servings

Crafting this delicious dressing requires a bit of dedication, but the results are well worth it. You can expect the preparation time to be approximately 45-60 minutes, which includes making the cornbread base and preparing the vegetable mixture. The baking time will add another 45-55 minutes. This recipe is designed to yield 8-10 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and using a bigger baking dish, or two standard dishes, to accommodate more hungry diners.

What You Will Need

Before you begin, gather your kitchen essentials to ensure a smooth cooking process. You will need:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish for the dressing.
• An 8×8 or 9×9-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan for the cornbread.
• Large mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
• A sturdy whisk or electric mixer.
• A sharp knife and cutting board for vegetables.
• A skillet or sauté pan for cooking aromatics.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A reliable oven for baking.

Having these tools ready will streamline your preparation, allowing you to focus on the delicious task at hand.

Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing

To create Paula Deen’s authentic southern cornbread dressing, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staples. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor, so opt for fresh vegetables and good quality broth. Here’s a detailed list:

• For the Cornbread:
  • 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal (medium grind is preferred for texture)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Dressing Mixture:
  • 8 cups crumbled cornbread (from your homemade batch)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is recommended)
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1 cup chopped celery (about 2-3 stalks)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup crumbled saltine crackers for added texture
  • Optional: ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Having all these ingredients measured and prepped beforehand, often called “mise en place,” will make the cooking process much more enjoyable and efficient. Remember, the homemade cornbread is the true star here, providing the foundation for this incredibly side dish. Fresh herbs can also be used for a brighter flavor profile if preferred.

Making Your Homemade Cornbread Base

The secret to an exceptional southern cornbread dressing lies in its foundation: a moist, flavorful homemade cornbread. This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s specifically designed to absorb the rich flavors of the dressing mixture without becoming soggy. While it may seem like an extra step, the effort put into making your own cornbread will elevate this dish far beyond what pre-made versions can achieve. Its distinct texture and subtle sweetness or savoriness—depending on your preference—become an integral part of the dressing’s character. Many enjoy making southern-style recipes and understand the importance of homemade components for authentic flavors.

Mix Cornmeal and Buttermilk

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cornbread. A few lumps are perfectly fine. This simple batter forms the heart of your dressing, so ensure it’s well-incorporated without being overworked.

Baking Cornbread to Golden

Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan, or a cast iron skillet, with butter or shortening. Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial; warm cornbread will crumble too finely and can make your dressing gummy. Once cool, crumble the cornbread into a large bowl, aiming for a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks for the best texture in your dressing.

Preparing the Dressing Mixture

With your homemade cornbread ready, the next step is to prepare the aromatic and flavorful dressing mixture. This involves sautéing vegetables and combining them with the crumbled cornbread, creating the savory base that will be baked to perfection. The thoughtful preparation of these components ensures every bite of your cornbread dressing is infused with traditional Southern taste. Some people even enjoy making a cheesy chicken and rice casserole with a similar savory base, highlighting the versatility of these foundational cooking techniques.

Combine Crumbs and Crackers

Once your homemade cornbread has cooled completely, crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Aim for a variety of textures – some fine crumbs for body and some larger pieces for bite. If you’re using saltine crackers, now is the time to lightly crush and add them to the cornbread crumbs. The crackers add a subtle saltiness and a slightly different textural element that many traditional Southern cooks appreciate. Toss these dry ingredients together gently to ensure an even distribution, setting the stage for the liquid and vegetable additions.

Sautéing Onion and Celery

In a large skillet, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent but not browned. This process, often referred to as building a “soffritto” or aromatic base, releases the sweet and savory essences of the vegetables, which will deeply flavor the entire dressing. Stir in the dried sage and thyme during the last minute of sautéing to bloom their flavors, releasing their fragrant oils. This aromatic blend is what gives Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing its signature comforting taste.

Assembling Paula Deen’s Dressing

Assembling the dressing is where all the wonderful flavors come together. This step requires careful mixing to ensure every crumb is coated with the savory liquids and seasonings, leading to a moist and cohesive dressing. Proper assembly is key to achieving that perfect balance of texture and taste that makes this dish a Southern classic. You’ll find that the process is straightforward, much like preparing a hearty creamy chicken alfredo lasagna rolls where each layer builds upon the last for a rich final product.

Adding Stock and Seasonings

Once your sautéed vegetables are ready, add them to the bowl with the crumbled cornbread and crackers. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. The broth is vital for moistening the cornbread and infusing it with flavor. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that cornbread can absorb a lot of seasoning, so don’t be shy, but taste as you go. Mix everything thoroughly using a large spoon or your hands, ensuring the broth is evenly distributed and the cornbread starts to soften. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. This step ensures that every part of the dressing carries the full depth of flavor.

Stirring in Beaten Eggs

Finally, stir in the two lightly beaten eggs. The eggs act as a binding agent, helping the dressing hold together beautifully during baking and contributing to its rich, custard-like texture. Mix well, making sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the cornbread mixture. This creates a cohesive blend that will set nicely in the oven. Transfer the entire mixture to your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. At this point, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it if you plan to bake it later, or proceed directly to baking. For more delicious recipe ideas and cooking inspiration, check out our Pinterest page Carina Recipes, where you can find a variety of dishes to complement your meal.

Baking Your Southern Cornbread Dressing

Baking is the final, satisfying stage of preparing Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing. This step transforms the moist, flavorful mixture into a golden-brown delight with a comforting aroma that fills your home. The oven’s heat binds the ingredients, develops a delicious crust, and ensures the interior is perfectly tender and infused with all the savory goodness. Proper baking ensures your dressing is neither dry nor overly wet, striking that ideal balance of texture and taste that defines this beloved side dish.

Achieve Golden-Brown Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish with the dressing into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. To check for doneness, a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside continues to cook through. Once baked to perfection, remove the dressing from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the dressing to set, making it easier to serve and ensuring maximum flavor. For more inspiration on perfectly cooked dishes, be sure to visit our Instagram page @carinarecipes20.

Total Time for This Recipe

When planning your meal, it’s helpful to account for the total time required to bring this Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing to your table. The entire process, from preparing your homemade cornbread to the final golden bake, typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes approximately 45-60 minutes for preparation (including cornbread baking and cooling) and 45-55 minutes for the final baking of the dressing. Allowing for a brief resting period after baking, you’ll be ready to serve this comforting dish in less than two hours. This timing makes it an achievable and rewarding addition to your holiday spread or any special family meal.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

While Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is undoubtedly a comforting and flavorful dish, it’s also a rich one, especially when made with traditional ingredients like butter and eggs. Exact nutritional information can vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., full-fat vs. low-fat broth, amount of butter, type of cornmeal). As a general estimate, a single serving of this homemade dressing is likely to be a significant source of carbohydrates, fats, and calories, reflecting its hearty and indulgent nature. It is typically enjoyed as a special occasion or holiday side. For a precise breakdown, it is recommended to use an online nutritional calculator with your specific ingredient brands and measurements. This dish is designed for enjoyment and celebration rather than daily dietary staple.

Serving Your Cornbread Dressing Delight

Presenting your freshly baked Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is almost as enjoyable as making it. The golden-brown crust and the savory aroma promise a delightful experience. Once it has rested, you can scoop generous portions onto plates. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a vibrant touch of color, making the dish even more appealing. This dressing stands beautifully on its own, but its true potential shines when paired with complementary flavors and textures, creating a complete and satisfying meal. For another delightful pairing, consider making a crispy parmesan chicken with a rich garlic sauce, which offers a wonderful main course contrast to the savory dressing.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This southern cornbread dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. It is an absolute must-have alongside roasted turkey or a glazed ham during holiday feasts. It also complements roasted chicken, pork loin, or even a simple pan-seared chicken breast for a weeknight family dinner. Don’t forget the gravy! A drizzle of homemade chicken or turkey gravy over your warm dressing is a classic combination that enhances its moisture and flavor. For a truly Southern spread, consider serving it with green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The contrasting textures and flavors create a harmonious meal that celebrates comfort food at its best.

Make Ahead Tips for Dressing

Preparing Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing can be time-consuming, especially during busy holiday seasons. Fortunately, this dish is very amenable to make-ahead preparations, allowing you to spread out the work and reduce stress on the day of your meal. Planning ahead not only saves time but can also sometimes deepen the flavors as ingredients have more time to meld. Follow these tips to streamline your cooking process and ensure a delicious outcome without the last-minute rush.

Storing and Reheating

You can prepare the dressing mixture up to two days in advance. Assemble the dressing in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold. Leftover dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit dry to maintain its moistness.

Enjoy This Southern Family Favorite

Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to the comforting, soulful flavors of Southern cooking. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a special family meal, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of homemade goodness to your table. The blend of tender cornbread, savory aromatics, and rich broth creates a dish that is deeply satisfying and consistently beloved. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to delight your family and friends with this timeless Southern favorite. Enjoy the rich tradition and delicious taste that only a classic cornbread dressing can offer. It’s a dish that truly embodies the spirit of shared meals and cherished memories, encouraging everyone to savor every bite of this wonderful creation.