Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

MAMIE’S ALABAMA CORNBREAD DRESSING

Cornbread dressing is a traditional staple in Southern cuisine, especially during the holiday season. With its combination of textures and flavors, this dish is a beloved favorite at family gatherings, My grandmother Mamie made this with love. Thanksgiving dinners, and Sunday meals. It is comforting, delicious, and a true representation of Southern hospitality.

Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Dressing

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 full pan of cooked cornbread (about 8×8 or 9-inch pan), crumbled
• 1 medium sized pan of baked cornbread 
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 pound of Turkey necks and inside of turkey boiled (set water from boiled turkey aside)
• 1 package of sage seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 large green bell peppers diced
• 1 cup of chicken broth (add more if needed for moisture)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash sage and garlic seasoning
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) can sub with sea salt or Lawry’s seasoning salt

Directions for Making Cornbread Dressing

Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Boil turkey necks and insides from turkey set water aside.
3. Pull meat off turkey necks and other turkey bones set aside.
4. Crumble the cooked cornbread into a large mixing bowl and add the breadcrumb pieces, and turkey meat tossing them together lightly.
5. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery and bell pepper, cooking until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Pour the sautéed vegetables (butter included) into the cornbread mixture. Add the poultry seasoning, sage, Mrs. Dash seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and water leftover from boiled turkey meat, until the mixture is very moist, resembling thick oatmeal. Adjust seasoning as desired.
8. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and smooth out the top.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before serving to firm up. Enjoy your Southern cornbread dressing!