Mary Elizabeth Strickland’s Southern Belle Cornbread Dressing
Description
This Southern Belle Cornbread Dressing is a treasured family recipe passed down from my beloved grandmother, who was renowned for her exceptional cooking skills. This dish is one of my most requested, especially during family gatherings, and for good reason. Its rich, moist texture and comforting flavor make it a standout side dish. I always make a triple batch—one for the family gathering and one to enjoy at home, ensuring there’s enough for everyone to take some leftovers. This classic recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table, just as it has been at ours.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups butter (melted)
- 3 cups finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature will help achieve a beautifully golden and crispy top layer on the dressing.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs until they are well combined but not too frothy. This step ensures that the eggs will blend smoothly into the rest of the ingredients.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken broth and melted butter to the beaten eggs. Stir in the finely chopped onion and celery. The onions and celery add a delightful crunch and flavor to the dressing. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and mix everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
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Mix Thoroughly: Once all ingredients are combined, stir in the cornbread crumbs. If you’re using pre-made cornbread, crumble it into the mixture. The consistency should be quite soupy, which might seem unusual, but this is essential for creating a moist and flavorful dressing.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes. The dressing should be set and have a beautiful golden-brown top.
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Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the dressing to cool for a few minutes before serving. This short rest will help the dressing set further and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- Soupy Consistency: Don’t be alarmed by the soupy texture before baking; this is actually the secret to a wonderfully moist dressing.
- Batch Size: For larger gatherings, consider tripling the recipe. Use a 4-quart dish for the larger batch and a 2-quart dish for leftovers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 153.5
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 73.2 milligrams
- Sodium: 560.2 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 11.1 grams
- Fiber: 0.8 grams
- Sugar: 1.5 grams
- Protein: 4.8 grams
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy holiday meal.
Enjoy this heartwarming Southern Belle Cornbread Dressing with your favorite main dishes and let the flavors bring a touch of southern comfort to your table. 🍽️✨