Homemade Cornbread Dressing Recipe

When it comes to holiday meals, few dishes capture the warmth and comfort of home quite like a homemade cornbread dressing. This easy cornbread dressing recipe is more than just a side—it’s the perfect blend of tender, crumbly cornbread, savory vegetables and the subtle sweetness of dried fruit.

If you’re looking for the best cornbread dressing recipe to complete your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, look no further. Our version balances delicious flavors with wholesome ingredients for a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.

What Makes this the Best Cornbread Dressing?

Crafted with whole wheat pastry flour, cornmeal, fresh vegetables and a touch of honey, this homemade cornbread dressing is both rich and nutritious. Whole wheat flour and cornmeal create a heartier texture, while the addition of corn kernels adds pops of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Grated carrots, celery and onions bring savory undertones, and dried cherries or cranberries lend a touch of tartness for a well-rounded flavor that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

For those looking to learn how to make cornbread dressing that’s healthier without compromising on taste, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, with a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade cornbread dressing that will impress guests and family alike.

On a Nutrisystem program? You can count each serving of this holiday side dish as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and two Extras.

How to Make Cornbread Dressing

Creating this easy cornbread dressing is straightforward and satisfying, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Each step has been designed to ensure the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the golden, crumbly cornbread to the savory vegetable medley. Let’s break down each part in detail so you can bring this homemade dish to life.

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients—whole wheat pastry flour, cornmeal, baking powder and baking soda—in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, including reduced-fat buttermilk, eggs, honey and olive oil. This combination gives the cornbread a tender crumb with just a hint of sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the dressing. Add in the corn kernels, which bring a subtle sweetness and texture to the cornbread.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking sheet for even baking, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the cornbread to cool completely, which helps it firm up, making it easier to break into croutons for the dressing.

Step 2: Make Cornbread Croutons

Once your cornbread has cooled, break it into large, rustic crumbles and spread them on a baking sheet. Return the crumbled cornbread to the oven at a lower temperature, around 350 degrees, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

This step is essential as it gives you homemade cornbread “croutons” that add texture to the dressing and prevent it from becoming overly soft or soggy when mixed with broth. The croutons should be slightly crispy but still tender in the center, which will allow them to absorb just the right amount of liquid in the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

While your cornbread croutons are toasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about two minutes until they start to become fragrant.

Next, add in the grated carrots and diced celery, cooking for an additional five minutes until all the vegetables are tender. This mix of vegetables brings depth to the dressing, with the celery adding crunch, the carrots a touch of sweetness, and the onion and garlic a robust base flavor.

Stir in a tablespoon of poultry seasoning to the sautéed vegetables. This seasoning adds a cozy, herbal warmth that elevates the dish, making it a classic choice for holiday meals.

Step 4: Combine and Layer the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine the cornbread croutons, sautéed vegetables and chopped pecans. The pecans contribute a lovely crunch and a hint of nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy and sweet tones in the cornbread.

For a festive pop of color and a touch of sweetness, add a handful of dried cherries or cranberries. These little bursts of fruit bring a tart, sweet contrast that balances the savory and nutty elements in the dressing.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Bake

Once all ingredients are combined in the baking dish, pour two cups of low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the cornbread mixture. The broth softens the croutons and brings all the flavors together, creating a moist but fluffy texture that holds its shape.

Finally, bake the assembled dressing in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. This final bake allows the flavors to meld together and creates a lightly crisped top layer while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Finishing Touches

After baking, let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. The dish can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra hint of color and flavor. The result is a beautiful, golden-brown cornbread dressing that’s rich, flavorful and balanced in texture—crisp on the top with a soft, hearty interior that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Customize Your Cornbread Dressing

One of the best things about homemade cornbread dressing is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Add more protein: For a heartier dish, mix in cooked sausage or ground turkey.
• Make it vegan: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and substitute olive oil for the eggs to make it fully plant-based.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix or substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Seasonal Ingredients and Health Benefits

This easy cornbread dressing is packed with seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients. Carrots bring beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s beneficial for eye health, while whole wheat flour adds fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Pecans offer a dose of healthy fats and plant protein. The optional addition of dried cherries or cranberries not only brightens the dish with color but also provides antioxidants.

What to Serve with Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from holiday turkey breast and honey ham to vegetarian mains like stuffed squash or a lentil loaf. For a traditional holiday meal, serve this dressing alongside classic sides like green beans, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Or, make it a comforting meal on its own by adding a fresh green salad on the side.

The Ultimate Side Dish for Your Holiday Table

With its perfect mix of savory and sweet, this cornbread dressing recipe is designed to be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also full of wholesome ingredients that make it a feel-good choice for the holidays.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bring a bit of homemade magic to your holiday feast with the best cornbread dressing recipe you’ll ever have!