Directions:
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 7×11-inch baking dish.
Step 2
Prepare the Cornbread: Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl. If you don’t have homemade cornbread, store-bought works too, as long as it’s a bit dry to soak up the flavors.
Step 3
Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery.
Step 4
Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 5
Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and celery to the bowl with the crumbled cornbread.
Step 6
Pour in the chicken broth, beaten eggs, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Step 7
Bake: Pour the cornbread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top begins to turn golden brown and the dressing has set.
Step 8
Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious, savory dressing with your favorite holiday dishes!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing:
Use Day-Old Cornbread: For the best texture, use cornbread that’s a day or two old. It will crumble more easily and absorb the broth better, resulting in a fluffier dressing. If you’re in a pinch, you can toast fresh cornbread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
Add More Flavor: If you love a bit of extra richness, consider adding cooked sausage, turkey, or even some chopped bacon to the dressing mixture. These additions bring depth and savory flavor.
Customize Your Herbs: While sage is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a little garlic powder for a unique twist. Adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste!
Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy dressing. You want it to stay light and fluffy.
Check for Moisture: If your dressing looks dry before baking, feel free to add a bit more chicken broth to ensure it stays moist. The cornbread should absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
Calories: 215
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 480mg
Potassium: 180mg
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%