Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing is a cherished side dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings. This comforting and flavorful accompaniment pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or chicken. Here’s a straightforward recipe for 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 crumbled cornbread (approximately one 8×8-inch pan)
• 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.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. 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 until 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 well.
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.

Bake the Dressing:

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

Serve:

1. Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s an ideal side dish for holiday meals or any time you crave a comforting and flavorful addition to your table.

ENJOY!

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