Old Fashioned Cornbread Dressing

Here’s a classic recipe for Old Fashioned Cornbread Dressing, perfect for holidays or family gatherings:

Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

For the Dressing:

• 1 batch of cornbread (from above)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2-3 cups chicken or turkey broth (adjust for desired moisture)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cornbread:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cornbread cool, then crumble it into a large bowl.

Prepare the Dressing:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled cornbread.
3. Stir in the broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the beaten eggs and parsley (if using), mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Adjust the broth amount for desired moisture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (9×13 inch works well) and spread evenly.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serving

Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy alongside your favorite meats or as part of a festive spread!

Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, like sausage, nuts, or dried fruits!