Meta Description
Enjoy classic Southern cornbread stuffing made with buttery cornbread, savory herbs, and rich broth. A moist, comforting Thanksgiving side dish everyone will love.
A Holiday Classic With Southern Charm
Few Thanksgiving dishes bring as much nostalgia as Southern cornbread stuffing. With its buttery texture, savory vegetables, and blend of herbs, this dish instantly brings warmth to the table. The flavors are rich, comforting, and deeply traditional. Moreover, it pairs beautifully with any holiday meal.
Planning your full Thanksgiving menu? Explore my [Popular Thanksgiving Recipes] for more holiday inspiration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cornbread Base
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 2 cups dried white bread cubes (optional for structure)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Liquid
- 2–3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
If you want guidance on perfect cornbread texture, King Arthur Baking offers reliable tips:
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com
This stuffing also tastes amazing alongside [Mashed Potatoes], [Green Bean Casserole], or [Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey].
How to Make Southern Cornbread Stuffing
1️⃣ Dry the Cornbread
Start by crumbling your cornbread and spreading it across a baking sheet. Allow it to dry overnight. Another option is to bake the crumbs at 250°F for about 20 minutes, which speeds up the drying process.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Warm the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and celery. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3️⃣ Combine Ingredients
Place the dried cornbread in a large mixing bowl. Fold in the sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle the poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. Everything should be evenly blended before adding any liquid.
4️⃣ Add Broth and Eggs
Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring as you go. The stuffing should feel moist but never soggy. After achieving the right consistency, mix in the beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Spread the stuffing into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Set it into the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns lightly golden. For an even crispier finish, place it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.
For extra help understanding how herbs elevate savory dishes, Serious Eats provides great insights:
https://www.seriouseats.com
Serving Suggestions
Southern cornbread stuffing pairs wonderfully with:
- [Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey]
- [Creamy Mashed Potatoes]
- [Baked Mac and Cheese]
- [Sweet Potato Pie]
For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Tips & Variations
Make It Extra Moist
Continue adding broth until the texture matches your preference.
Boost the Flavor
Sauté a few cloves of garlic along with the vegetables, or mix in fresh herbs for added depth.
Country-Style Version
Try substituting some cornbread with crumbled biscuits for a rustic Southern twist.
Add Sausage (Optional)
Browned breakfast sausage can be mixed into the stuffing before baking. Additionally, sausage enhances the richness without overwhelming the cornbread.
For even more cozy comfort food ideas, check out my [Loaded Potato Soup] or [One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta].
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Make Ahead
Assemble the stuffing a day before serving, then store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a splash of broth and bake as directed.
Refrigerate Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Stuffing freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F until warmed through.
FAQ
Is stuffing the same as dressing?
Yes — in Southern cooking, “dressing” simply means the stuffing is baked in a dish instead of inside the turkey.
Can this recipe be used inside the turkey?
It can, though the mixture should be slightly drier for safety. For more information, review USDA’s official holiday food safety guide:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety
Why does my stuffing crumble?
It may need more broth. Gradually add liquid until the mixture holds together.
Final Thoughts
Classic Southern cornbread stuffing is warm, comforting, and flavorful — everything a holiday side dish should be. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or continuing a long family tradition, this recipe delivers dependable, delicious results every time.
Make it part of your holiday menu this year, and enjoy the taste of true Southern comfort.
