The Best Paula Deen Cornbread Dressing Recipe for Any Feast

Southern cornbread dressing carries deep culinary traditions that comfort and delight home cooks everywhere.

Family gatherings sparkle with this beloved recipe’s rich, savory essence and nostalgic flavors.

Soft crumbled breads blend seamlessly with aromatic vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a harmonious mixture that warms hearts.

Generations have treasured this classic dish, passing down cherished techniques from kitchen to kitchen.

Delicate seasonings transform simple ingredients into a luxurious side that elevates any meal’s complexity.

Hearty and satisfying, this dressing promises a delectable experience that connects you to Southern cooking heritage: prepare to be transported.

How to Prepare Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Homemade Cornbread

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• Oil

Mix ingredients thoroughly until smooth. Pour batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow cornbread to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Bread Base

• 4 slices oven-dried white bread
• Crushed saltine crackers

Break breads into small, consistent pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped celery
• Diced onions

Cook vegetables for 5-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Pour sautéed vegetables over bread mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dressing Ingredients

• Chicken stock
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried sage
• Poultry seasoning (optional)
• 5 beaten eggs

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Bake Cornbread Dressing

Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

• Prep Cornbread Early: Bake cornbread the day before to let flavors develop and save time during cooking.
• Sauté Softly: Gently cook onions and celery until translucent to unlock deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Taste Test Carefully: Sample the dressing mixture before baking, adjusting salt and pepper for perfect seasoning.
• Dry Bread Smartly: Spread white bread on baking sheets and toast in oven to help stock absorption.
• Mix Gently: Fold ingredients together with light hand to maintain bread's texture and prevent breaking.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your dressing's moisture and flavor by vacuum sealing individual portions. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags, remove all air, and store flat in the freezer for maximum preservation and easy stacking.
• Portion Preservation Method: Divide the dressing into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. Use clear glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to track quantity and maintain freshness for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Temperature Control Method: Maintain consistent cool temperatures between 32-40°F when storing. Place dressing in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to prevent temperature fluctuations that can degrade quality and accelerate spoilage.

Fun Twists on Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the cornbread mixture for a fiery flavor that warms up the traditional recipe.
• Herb Garden Rendition: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley into the dressing for an aromatic and vibrant herbal profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Sausage and Apple Fusion: Mix in crumbled breakfast sausage and diced Granny Smith apples to create a savory-sweet combination that adds depth and complexity to the traditional cornbread dressing.
• Mushroom Woodsy Variation: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini with the onions and celery, then fold them into the dressing for an earthy, rich undertone that brings a gourmet touch to the homestyle recipe.

Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing: The Perfect Side for Every Meal

Southern comfort nestles deep within Paula Deen’s cornbread dressing, a culinary masterpiece bridging generations of home cooking traditions.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of southern flavors that whisper family memories and warmth.

Crumbled cornbread mingles with savory herbs, transforming simple ingredients into a masterful side dish celebrating southern hospitality.

Rich textures and aromatic seasonings tell stories of grandmother’s kitchen and cherished gatherings.

Seasoned cooks and kitchen novices can master this classic recipe with confidence and love.

Whether served alongside roasted turkey or enjoyed as a standalone comfort dish, this dressing promises to become your new favorite holiday tradition – so snap a photo, share the recipe, and spread southern charm with those eager to savor culinary magic.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing a Must-Have for Holidays

• Savor Southern Comfort: This cornbread dressing captures the heart of traditional Southern cooking with its rich, homemade flavors that remind you of family gatherings and warm kitchen memories.
• Master a Layered Texture Explosion: Combining crumbled cornbread, white bread, and saltine crackers creates an incredible multi-textured dish that's crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside.
• Effortless Holiday Hero: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary components into a show-stopping side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family meal without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Prep: From start to finish, you'll have a delicious dressing in just 1.5 hours, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

• Cornmeal: Classic Southern base with sweet corn flavor, stone-ground preferred for richer taste.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cornbread ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps create tender, moist cornbread texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cornbread ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures smooth mixing and prevents dryness in cornbread.

• White Bread: Adds additional texture and helps absorb liquid in the dressing.
• Saltine Crackers: Provides extra crunch and helps thicken the dressing.

• Celery, Onion: Classic aromatic vegetables that build deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Butter: Sautés vegetables and adds rich, creamy taste to the dressing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile.
• Sage: Traditional herb that gives classic Southern dressing its signature taste.
• Poultry Seasoning: Blend of herbs that enhances overall savory character.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and deepens the dressing's rich flavor.
• Additional Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and creates custard-like texture.

Paula Deen Cornbread Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through Paula Deen’s legendary cornbread dressing, a Thanksgiving classic brimming with sage-infused flavor. Hearty crumbled cornbread mingles with savory herbs and chicken broth, inviting warm memories of family gatherings around the holiday table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 7 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 large chopped onion
• 7 beaten eggs (2 for cornbread, 5 for dressing)

Bread and Flour Components:

• 7 slices oven-dried white bread
• 1 sleeve of saltine crackers
• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• ½ cup self-rising flour

Fats and Seasonings:

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C). Thoroughly blend cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Transfer the batter into a lightly greased 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 22-27 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
3. Allow cornbread to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, carefully crumble the cornbread into large, rustic pieces inside a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Supplement the cornbread crumbles with additional crumbled day-old white bread slices and crushed saltine crackers, creating a diverse textural base.
5. In a medium-sized skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped celery and diced onions for 6-8 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture directly over the cornbread crumb combination, gently folding to distribute evenly.
7. Incorporate chicken stock, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried sage, and poultry seasoning. Whisk 5 large eggs separately before integrating them into the dressing mixture.
8. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring uniform consistency. Transfer to a generously greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
9. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center appears set when gently nudged.

Notes

• Crumble bread into irregular chunks for a rustic, homemade texture that catches more flavor.
• Choose day-old cornbread to enhance the dressing’s rich, authentic Southern character.
• Chop vegetables finely to distribute flavor evenly and create a more consistent bite.
• Warm stock slightly before adding to help bread absorb liquid more efficiently.
• Check moisture levels during mixing to prevent dry or soggy consistency.
• Use fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Allow dressing to rest 10 minutes after baking to set and develop deeper flavors.
• Select unsalted butter to control seasoning and prevent over-salting the recipe.
• Mix ingredients gently to maintain bread’s structural integrity and prevent compactness.
• Experiment with adding crumbled bacon or sausage for extra richness and depth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 4g