Description

Imagine stepping into a warm Southern kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cornbread, melting butter, and savory herbs dancing through the air. This experience can be yours with Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing, a beloved dish that transports you straight to the heart of home-cooked comfort food. Often gracing the tables of family gatherings and festive feasts, this classic dressing is not just a side dish; it's a sentimental staple that embodies the warmth of Southern hospitality.

Originating from the deep culinary traditions of the South, cornbread dressing serves as a festive complement to roasted meats, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Its unique combination of textures—from the crumbly cornbread to the soft, buttery mixture of vegetables and spices—makes each bite irresistible. This dish showcases how everyday ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with a touch of love and a dash of soul. Whether seasoned to perfection for a holiday or prepared simply for Sunday dinner, this dressing is bound to make lasting memories.

Prepare to gather your friends and family around the table, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe. The simplicity of the preparation ensures that even novice cooks can confidently create this beloved dish, and the aromatic results will have everyone coming back for seconds—and thirds! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on making Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing!

Ingredients

• For the Cornbread:
• Two beaten eggs
• One cup of self-rising cornmeal
• Half a cup of self-rising flour
• Three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• For the Dressing:
• Seven slices of oven-dried white bread
• One sleeve of saltine crackers
• Eight tablespoons of butter
• Two cups of chopped celery
• One large onion, chopped
• Seven cups of chicken stock
• One teaspoon of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• One teaspoon of sage (optional)
• One tablespoon of poultry seasoning (optional)
• Five beaten eggs for the dressing

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of self-rising cornmeal and half a cup of self-rising flour.
3. Add three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk, two eggs, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the cornbread cool on a wire rack.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit again.
7. In a skillet, melt eight tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
8. Add two cups of chopped celery and one chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and combine the vegetables with crumbled cornbread, torn white bread, and crushed saltine crackers in a large bowl.
10. Pour in seven cups of chicken stock and stir to combine.
11. Season with one teaspoon of salt, black pepper, one teaspoon of sage, and one tablespoon of poultry seasoning if desired.
12. Fold in five beaten eggs to bind the mixture.
13. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
14. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until golden brown and firm when shaken.

Tips and Conclusion

If you’re seeking to add a personal twist to your Southern Cornbread Dressing, consider incorporating cooked sausage, fresh herbs, or diced apples to the mixture for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, if you’re preparing the dressing ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Make sure to adjust the baking time, as the dressing might require a little longer if it’s cold from the fridge.

Should you have any leftovers, they can be placed in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and you'll experience that comforting taste all over again.
Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing combines tradition with a gentle kiss of comfort that can transform any meal into a cherished occasion. Every bite brings an explosion of flavors and textures, reminiscent of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. Celebrating this dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates a sense of belonging and warmth.

As you savor your cornbread dressing, consider exploring other Southern-inspired recipes on our site, such as creamy collard greens, succulent glazed ham, or sweet potato pie. Each offering is designed to continue the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with the people you love.

We hope this recipe has inspired you to create a memorable dining experience in your kitchen. Feel free to share this dish with friends and family, as culinary journeys are always better when shared. Happy cooking, and enjoy your culinary adventure through Southern cuisine!