Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing – Happy Muncher (2024)

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Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing really shines as a Thanksgiving side. It mixes crumbled cornbread with oven-dried white bread, celery, and onion. This creates a tasty blend that’s perfect for holiday meals.

The mix of ingredients delivers rich flavors, highlighting classic Southern cooking. It’s a dish that pleases everyone, offering comfort with each bite.

Need a dish for Thanksgiving or another feast? This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a sure hit. It brings a hearty, flavorful mix that screams comfort food.

Exact Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right cornbread dressing ingredients is step one. For that great Southern taste, keep these items ready:

• 7 slices of oven-dried white bread
• 1 sleeve of saltine crackers
• 2 cups of chopped celery
• 1 large chopped onion
• Seasonings: salt, freshly ground black pepper, sage, poultry seasoning
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of butter
• 2 cups of self-rising cornmeal
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 quart of chicken stock

All these fresh ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful homemade dressing. It will be a big hit at any holiday meal. Making sure each ingredient is fresh will make the dish memorable.

“For a truly authentic experience, don’t skip on fresh seasonings and quality butter – these details matter,” advises Paula Deen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Learning how to make cornbread dressing at home is easy. Just follow these simple cooking instructions. You’ll make a yummy meal that’s Southern comfort at its best.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, a crucial first step in crispy, golden-brown perfection.
2. Prepare the cornbread by mixing self-rising cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and eggs. Pour the batter into a preheated, greased cast-iron skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
3. While the cornbread bakes, chop celery and onions finely. Sauté them in melted butter until they become tender and aromatic.
4. Crumble the cornbread and mix it with the oven-dried white bread slices and saltine crackers in a large bowl.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables, along with sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bread mixture.
6. Gently mix in about four cups of warm chicken stock into the dry ingredients to moisten the mixture.
7. Beat the eggs lightly and then fold them into the mixture to ensure uniform consistency.
8. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
9. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes at 350°F, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

These cooking instructions are designed to deliver a succulent and satisfying cornbread dressing. By following these easy recipe steps, you can be assured of a dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine.

Tips & Tricks

Learn to make amazing Southern Cornbread Dressing with these top tips & tricks. First, oven-dry your bread. This helps it soak up flavor and stay moist. Adding melted butter and veggies brings a deep taste to your dish.

Try your mix before adding eggs. This lets you adjust seasoning for the best flavor. Culinary pros know to beat the eggs a bit. It makes your dressing smooth and even.

Use recipe shortcuts to save time without losing taste. Things like cutting veggies early or using instant cornbread can make cooking quicker. Mix these tips with your own ideas for an even better dish.

Serving Suggestions

Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing shines at any holiday gathering. It goes well with many main dishes, adding a special taste. This fits in with lots of holiday favorites.

• Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The dressing’s deep, tasty flavors match perfectly with juicy roasted birds.
• Cranberry Sauce: The cranberry’s sourness makes the dressing’s rich taste even better.
• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish creates a tasty mix of textures and flavors next to the dressing.

For a complete meal, add the cornbread dressing to fresh, seasonal veggies. Top everything with gravy for extra flavor and moisture.

Also, adding sweet-tart fruit compotes is a smart move. They add a cool, sweet touch to the dinner. These pairings make sure your feast is delicious and leaves a lasting memory. Your friends and family will feel at home and full of cheer.

How to Store

Storing cornbread dressing right keeps it tasty and safe to eat. After you enjoy Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing, let the leftovers cool. Then, put them in a sealed container. This keeps the dressing’s texture good. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great idea. Put the cooled dressing in containers or bags made for the freezer. Don’t forget to mark the date. Frozen, it can stay good for three months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

To make it taste like new, reheat with care. Use an oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes. Or, the microwave works for small portions. Remember these tips to enjoy Paula Deen’s cornbread dressing long after the holiday.