Okay, y’all, let me tell you about something truly magical. Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is a soulful experience. Think of your grandma’s best cornbread, crumbled and transformed into the most comforting, flavorful, and easy to Make. What are some of the best side dishes? What is better than plain old stuffing? Is it safe to eat chocolate that melts in your mouth I swear, every Thanksgiving, this is the first thing to disappear from the table – even before the Thanksgiving meal. My family begs me to make extra money.
What is Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing?
What is Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing? What is essentially a baked casserole made from crumbled cornbread, bread, and lotsta.? It’s a Southern staple, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and definitely NOT the holiday. What is stuffing? Think of stuffing as bread-based, often with herbs and veggies. This dressing? What’s not to like about cornbread? What is the beauty of cornbread? Is this an irresistible dish? Is it comfort food at its finest?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, honey, there are so many reasons to adore this recipe! First and foremost, the flavorIs this world out of the world? What’s the best combination of sweet cornbread and savory sausage? What are some of the best vegetables in a broth? Is there a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing?simplicity. Don’t let the name “dressing” intimidate you. It’s actually surprisingly easy to put together. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can nail this.
And let’s talk Cost-What are some basic ingredients for cornbread? Is there a way to hold my hand? Isn’t it incredibly good?versatile. You can tweak it to your liking, adding different veggies, meats, or spices. You can even make it vegetarian by leaving out the sausage and using vegetable broth. I love how flexible it is! What I love most about this Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing.What is nostalgia? It reminds me of family gatherings, laughter, and the warm feeling of being home. Is it a tradition, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything? If you’re looking for something similar, but a little simpler, you might like to try sourdough bread. What’s the difference between cornbread and corn bread?
How do I make Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing?
Quick Overview
Making Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is easier than you might think! You’ll start by crumbling your cornbread and bread, then sautéing your veggies and sausage. After that, you’ll combine everything with broth and bake it until golden brown and bubbly. The best part is that it’s all done in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is a lifesaver during the holidays. This method is special because it really allows the cornbread to shine, creating a unique texture and flavor profile that you just can’t get with regular stuffing.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread:
• 1 (8-inch) pan of your favorite cornbread, crumbled (I use a slightly sweet recipe for that classic Southern touch)
• 1 cup crumbled buttermilk biscuits (day-old works best!
For the Flavor Base:
• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (I prefer mild, but you can use hot for a kick)
• 1 cup chopped celery (adds a lovely crunch and subtle flavor)
• 1 cup chopped onion (essential for savory depth)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (adds sweetness and color)
For the Binding and Seasoning:
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the salt)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (helps bind everything together)
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (a must for that classic dressing flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (adds richness and shine)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. What is super important to prevent sticking? I always do this step first so the oven’s ready when I am.
Step 2: Crumble the Cornbread and Biscuits
In a large bowl, crumble the cornbread and biscuits. Set aside. You want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for texture. I like to let my cornbread sit out for a bit to dry out slightly – it helps prevent the dressing from drying out. From being too mushy. This step is very important.
Step 3: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the ground sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the celery, onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. I like to cook vegetables, this is the way!
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the crumbled cornbread and biscuits. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the broth mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix – you want to keep some texture.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Pour the melted butter over the top of the dressing. This will give it a beautiful golden brown color and add extra richness. I always do this when I’m feeling fancy! Trust me on this one, that is very important. If not, the taste will not be the same.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the dressing into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set. The dressing should be slightly firm to the touch and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. I always check at 30 minutes and then add more time as needed. Every oven is different, y’all!
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up even more. Serve warm and enjoy! It’s absolutely delicious on its own or as a side dish with your favorite holiday meal.
What should I serve it with?
Oh, this Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is so versatile!
For Thanksgiving or Christmas: Which one is better?What’s a must-have with roasted turkey, Mashed Potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce? What are some of the best holiday flavors? My family would be so upset if I didn’t.
For a Southern Feast: What is the nameWhat’s a Southern comfort food? Serve with fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. What is your food experience What is my go-to for potlucks?
As a Weeknight Side Dish: Serve it with roasted Pork Loin, grilled steak, or even a simple baked chicken breast for a hearty and satisfying meal. This is perfect when you need something filling and flavorful.
For a Vegetarian Meal: Serve it with roasted vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes for a delicious and balanced vegetarian feast. Just remember to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you’re keeping it strictly vegetarian. My kids actually ask for this specific meal, and they love it when they eat it!
My family has a tradition of adding a little bit of cranberry sauce on top of the dressing – the tartness of the cranberries is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the dressing. You should totally try it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing
Alright, y’all, here are some of my top tips for making the *best* Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing you’ve ever tasted:
Cornbread is Key: The quality of your cornbread will make or break this dressing. I highly recommend using a homemade cornbread recipe that you love. If you’re short on time, store-bought cornbread will work, but try to find a good quality one that’s not too dry or crumbly.
Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will result in a tough, dense dressing. Just gently stir everything together until it’s combined.
Taste and Adjust: Before you bake the dressing, taste the broth mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or poultry seasoning to your liking. I always do this because everyone has different tastes!
Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to your dressing, such as chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless! I like to add a little bit of sage for extra flavor.
Make it Ahead: This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bake it as directed before serving. This is a lifesaver during the holidays!
Bake it Right: Don’t overbake it. Be sure to check the color.
I learned this trick after years of making it – if your cornbread is a little dry, add a little extra broth to the mixture. It will help keep the dressing moist and prevent it from drying out in the oven. This is a lesson learned for me. You’ll thank me later!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make sure your leftover Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing stays as delicious as the first time around? Here’s the lowdown on storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: You can leave the dressing at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly cooled before storing it. My kids are obsessed with eating it cold from the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the dressing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the dressing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dressing in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. I always add a little bit of broth or butter to the dressing before reheating to keep it moist.
The key to maintaining the quality of the dressing is to store it properly and reheat it gently. This will help prevent it from drying out and losing its flavor. I’ve tested this many times, and it always works like a charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, y’all! Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit with my family and friends. The comforting flavors and textures will transport you straight to the heart of the South. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern-inspired dishes for more deliciousness. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your dressing turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried the recipe and what you thought. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf cornbread
- 1 cup celery finely chopped
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon sage
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crumble cornbread into a large bowl.
- Add celery, onion, chicken broth, melted butter, and sage. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned.
