Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 pan cornbread, baked and crumbled (about 6–8 cups)
• 4–6 slices day-old white bread, torn into pieces (optional)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 celery stalks, finely chopped
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3–4 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 teaspoons rubbed sage
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and torn bread.
4. Stir in the cooked onion and celery mixture.
5. Add sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix in the beaten eggs.
7. Gradually add chicken broth until the dressing is very moist but not runny.
8. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set.

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Cooked shredded chicken or turkey
• Crumbled cooked sausage
• Extra sage for a stronger Southern flavor

Tip: Traditional Southern cornbread dressing should look slightly wetter than you expect before baking, as the cornbread absorbs a lot of moisture in the oven.