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

Start your day by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will create the perfect warm environment for both your cornbread and dressing to flourish. While the oven warms up, let’s move on to the essential first step: making the cornbread.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine one cup of self-rising cornmeal and half a cup of self-rising flour. These two ingredients form the backbone of your cornbread, creating a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the dressing. Add three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk, which brings a slight tanginess and moisture to the batter. Crack two eggs into the bowl, followed by two tablespoons of vegetable oil. You might consider using melted butter for richer flavor if you desire.

With a whisk or mixing spoon, stir these ingredients until they come together into a smooth batter. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are completely fine. When you’re satisfied with the mixture, it’s time to transfer it to your greased shallow baking dish.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and set your timer for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, carefully remove the cornbread and let it sit on a wire rack until it cools completely.

With the cornbread cooling, gain a little momentum by getting your oven ready again. Preheat it back to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to make way for the dressing.

Now, we will prepare the vegetable mixture, which enhances the savory profile of the dish. In a large skillet, melt eight tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let the luscious aroma of melted butter envelop your kitchen—there’s nothing quite like it. Next, toss in the two cups of chopped celery and the large chopped onion. Stir these veggies as they cook, allowing them to soften and turn translucent over 5 to 10 minutes. This process heightens their natural sweetness, adding complexity to the dressing.

Once the vegetables have softened, remove the skillet from heat and combine them with the crumbled cornbread, torn white bread, and crushed saltine crackers in a large mixing bowl. The contrasting textures of these ingredients are what give this dressing its unique charm. As you gently fold in the vegetables, take in the intoxicating aromas that arise—this will be the foundation of your dish.

Next, pour in seven cups of chicken stock. The stock will moisten the mixture, creating that mouthwatering stuffing consistency. Feel free to use homemade stock if you have it; it lends a more robust flavor to your dressing. Give everything a good stir to ensure the bread absorbs all that flavorful liquid.

At this point, it’s essential to taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning. Add one teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. If your taste buds lean toward the aromatic side, consider adding one teaspoon of sage and one tablespoon of poultry seasoning. These spices can elevate your dressing, mirroring the flavors of traditional Thanksgiving flavors.

To tie everything together, pour in five beaten eggs. This addition acts as the binding agent that will hold your dressing together as it bakes. Gently fold the eggs into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly incorporated, which will give your dressing structure and richness.

Now it's time to transfer this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, making sure that every corner of the dish is filled with that savory goodness. Slide the dish into the oven and allow it to bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You're looking for the top of the dressing to be a beautiful golden brown and a slight firmness when you gently shake the dish. That’s how you’ll know it’s cooked through and ready to serve.

As you wait for the dressing to come together, you might want to whet your appetite with the promise of what’s to come. The blend of the buttery vegetables and the hearty breads mixed with chicken stock will have your family eagerly waiting at the dinner table.

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!