Mama’s Cornbread Dressing!

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing: A Hearty Homestyle Classic

  When it comes to comforting, homestyle dishes, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing takes center stage. This beloved Southern classic is the heart and soul of many family gatherings and holiday feasts. With its rich, savory flavors and a texture that’s a perfect balance of tender and crispy, this dressing is a testament to the warmth and love of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of tradition, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is a timeless favorite that brings generations together. Join us as we delve into the recipe and rediscover the joy of this beloved Southern dish.

Ingredients:

For the Cornbread:

• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Dressing:

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread (from the recipe above)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

Prepare the Cornbread:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and melted unsalted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
6. Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared dish or skillet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool. Once cool, crumble it into a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Dressing: 9. In a large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

10. Add the diced celery, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the heat.
11. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the crumbled cornbread in the mixing bowl.
12. Add the poultry seasoning, dried sage, black pepper, and salt (to taste) to the mixing bowl.
13. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 beaten eggs and 4 cups of chicken or turkey broth.
14. Pour the egg and broth mixture over the cornbread and vegetables. Gently stir everything together until well combined.

Assemble and Bake: 15. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the dressing mixture into it.

16. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
17. Bake the dressing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
18. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.

Serve and Enjoy: 19. Serve Mama’s Cornbread Dressing as a delicious side dish to complement your holiday feast or any special occasion.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can customize this dressing by adding cooked and crumbled sausage, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• The consistency of the dressing can be adjusted by adding more or less broth. If you prefer it moister, add more broth; for a drier texture, use less.
• This dressing can be made a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
• It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken and a generous ladle of gravy.

  Mama’s Cornbread Dressing is more than a side dish; it’s a cherished tradition that embodies the love and warmth of Southern cooking. With its homemade cornbread base, savory seasonings, and tender-crispy texture, this dressing is a testament to the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. Whether it graces your holiday table or adds a touch of nostalgia to everyday dining, Mama’s Cornbread Dressing brings the heart of the South to your plate. So, savor the flavors, share the love, and create cherished memories with every forkful of this Southern classic!