CORNBREAD DRESSING

Cornbread dressing is a classic side dish that’s especially popular during Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts. It’s a delicious and comforting accompaniment that pairs perfectly with roast turkey or chicken. Here’s a simple recipe to make traditional cornbread dressing:

Ingredients:

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

For the Dressing:

• 8 cups of cornbread, crumbled (approximately 1 8×8-inch pan of cornbread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cornbread:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the cornbread.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the cornbread batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once done, let the cornbread cool, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled cornbread in the mixing bowl.

Season and Combine:

1. To the cornbread and vegetables, add the beaten eggs, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring as you go, until the dressing reaches your desired level of moisture. You may not need all the broth, so use your judgment.

Bake the Dressing:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the cornbread dressing mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Serve:

1. Let the cornbread dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a perfect side dish to accompany your holiday meals or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful addition to your table.

ENJOY!!