Southern Cornbread & Sausage Dressing is a beloved comfort food that blends crumbly cornbread with savory sausage and aromatic herbs for a hearty, satisfying side dish. Its golden crust and tender interior make it a standout at holiday dinners or any family meal.
This recipe’s success hinges on using day-old cornbread, which soaks up the chicken broth without becoming soggy, yielding a perfect balance of moistness and texture. The combination of poultry seasoning, sage, and thyme infuses the dish with classic Southern flavors that deepen during baking.
Ideal for serving alongside roast turkey or ham, this dressing keeps well and can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy hosts. Baking it in a 9×13-inch dish ensures even cooking and a crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
The flavor profile is rich and savory, with hints of garlic and fresh parsley lifting the sausage and cornbread base. Everyone from traditional Southern cooks to first-timers will appreciate the hearty, comforting taste and the satisfying golden crust achieved with a butter drizzle before baking.
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled day-old cornbread
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices day-old white bread, cubed
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3–4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for topping)
Instructions:
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