Imagine a side dish so irresistibly delicious that it steals the spotlight from the main course. This Kentucky Corn Bread Dressing is not just another holiday recipe – it's a Southern culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Packed with rich, comforting flavors and a perfect blend of textures, this traditional recipe brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pieces are of relatively uniform size, about 1/2 inch chunks.
- Add the sautéed onions and celery to the crumbled cornbread. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing gently to moisten the cornbread without making it too soggy.
- Sprinkle sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir carefully to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dressing.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. The consistency should be moist but not wet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to set.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly dried cornbread for the best texture. Fresh cornbread can make the dressing too moist and mushy.
- Don't over-mix the ingredients. Gently fold the chicken broth into the cornbread to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to complement the sage.
- If the dressing seems too dry while mixing, add a little more chicken broth. If it's too wet, add a few more crumbles of cornbread.
- Let the dressing rest after baking – this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- For a crispy top, broil the dressing for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated, which can actually enhance its flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
