Name: Old-Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing – Classic Holiday Favorite
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped onions; 2 cups chopped celery; 1/2 cup butter; 4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread; 4 cups finely crumbled cornbread; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried sage; Turkey broth OR chicken broth (enough to moisten to desired consistency); 4 large eggs, beaten; 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup butter
4 cups finely crumbled toasted bread
4 cups finely crumbled cornbread
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried sage
Turkey broth OR chicken broth (enough to moisten to desired consistency)
4 large eggs, beaten

2–3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and chopped celery, sautéing until they become soft, fragrant, and lightly translucent (about 10 minutes). This step builds the rich base flavor of your dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Breads

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled toasted bread and crumbled cornbread. Make sure the crumbs are fine for the best texture, but it’s okay to leave a few small chunks for extra body.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and dried sage. Sage is the soul of holiday dressing, giving it that unmistakable warm Thanksgiving flavor. Mix everything thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the Sautéed Vegetables

Pour the buttery onions and celery into the bread mixture. The melted butter helps bring everything together and adds richness and moisture.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Pour the beaten eggs into the mixture, stirring thoroughly. The eggs help bind the dressing and create that classic custard-like texture once baked.

Step 6: Add Broth

Slowly stir in turkey broth or chicken broth until the mixture is very moist but not soupy. The consistency should be similar to thick oatmeal. You may need anywhere from 2 to 4 cups, depending on how dry your crumbs are.

Step 7: Add Optional Hard-Boiled Eggs

If you like traditional style dressing, fold in 2–3 chopped hard-boiled eggs. This adds texture, richness, and old-fashioned Southern character.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the dressing into a greased baking dish (9×13 or similar). Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set but still moist.

Notes

Dressing texture varies by preference—some like it firmer, others softer.
Add extra broth for a wetter dressing, or bake longer for a firmer consistency.
Always taste for salt before baking, as the bread can vary in saltiness.

If making ahead, assemble the entire mixture and refrigerate overnight before baking.