Introducing Lesleigh’s Cornbread Dressing, a delectable dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of comfort and tradition. This recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, is a delightful addition to any gathering, whether it’s a festive Christmas dinner or a cozy Thanksgiving feast. With a preparation time of just 1 hour and 30 minutes and a total cook time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, you can have this heartwarming dish ready to serve in under 4 hours, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special.
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Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Cornbread Dressing a standout dish. You’ll need:
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken (or turkey)
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 onion
- 1-2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups of evaporated milk (divided)
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably day-old)
- 6 eggs
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Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey of creating this mouthwatering dish:
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Boil the Chicken (or Turkey): In a large pot, combine the broiler-fryer chicken (or turkey), celery stalk, and onion. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Allow the meat to cook until it’s done and the vegetables are tender.
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Debone the Meat: Once the meat is cooked through, carefully remove it from the broth. Let it cool slightly before deboning it. Discard any skin or bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Preheat the Oven: While the meat is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is ready when it’s time to bake the dressing.
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Prepare the Cornbread Base: In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cooled cornbread. This serves as the flavorful base for our dressing.
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Combine with Broth and Seasonings: Pour the warm chicken (or turkey) broth over the crumbled cornbread. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Mix well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a separate bowl, tear the loaf of bread into small pieces. Pour half of the evaporated milk over the bread and allow it to soak for about 2 minutes. Then, add this moistened bread to the cornbread mixture.
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Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Pour the remaining evaporated milk into the cornbread mixture. Crack the eggs into the bowl, and stir everything together until well combined. At this stage, you can also add the shredded meat if desired, enhancing the richness and flavor of the dressing.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared dressing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the dressing is firm and golden brown on top. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will tantalize your taste buds and signal that it’s time to indulge in this comforting creation.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the dressing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside roasted poultry or as a standalone dish, Lesleigh’s Cornbread Dressing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone coming back for seconds.
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With its rich flavors, moist texture, and aromatic seasonings, this Cornbread Dressing recipe is a true culinary delight that embodies the spirit of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your soul. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create unforgettable memories with Lesleigh’s Cornbread Dressing. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of sharing homemade meals with loved ones!
