Savor the heartwarming flavors of Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing, crafted with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and a rich blend of seasonings.
Growing up in the South, the aroma of cornbread dressing cooking in the kitchen signaled the beginning of the holiday season. My grandmother, much like Paula Deen, had her own special version of this recipe, which became a cherished part of our family gatherings. Every Thanksgiving, we’d gather around her old wooden table, the air filled with laughter and the comforting scent of sage and butter. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the memories we created, spoonful by spoonful. Now, whenever I make Paula Deen's recipe, it feels like a warm embrace from the past, filling my kitchen with nostalgia and my heart with joy.
Why You'll Love Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is not just another side dish; it’s a gateway to a Southern tradition that promises to deliver comfort and delight in every bite. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Authentic Southern Charm: This recipe delivers a true taste of the South with its rich, buttery base and a perfect blend of savory seasonings.
- Versatility: Perfect for holidays or any family gathering, it pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or on its own.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to include additional spices or ingredients, this dressing makes it simple to put your own twist on a classic.
- All-Inclusive Preparation: With detailed steps for both the cornbread and the dressing itself, even novice cooks can feel confident tackling this dish.
Ingredients Notes
Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing is a symphony of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of key components:
- Cornbread Base: Homemade cornbread provides a sweet, crumbly foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Celery and Onion: These aromatics offer a soft crunch and mellow sweetness, essential for a balanced dressing.
- Chicken Stock: Using high-quality stock enhances moisture and enriches the overall taste.
- Seasonings: Optional additions like sage and poultry seasoning allow for customization, catering to your flavor preferences.
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How To Make Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Let’s dive into making Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing with step-by-step guidance:
- Preparation of Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven for the cornbread, which is the soul of your dressing. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients forms a batter that bakes into the golden base of your dish.
- Sauteing Aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet, adding chopped celery and onion until they’re just transparent—this is where the magic starts, as their flavors meld together.
- Combining Elements: In a large bowl, crumble your freshly baked cornbread and mix with dried white bread and saltines for varied texture. Pour the sauteed vegetables over this, adding chicken stock to achieve the desired moistness.
- Seasoning and Baking: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs according to your taste before adding beaten eggs, which help bind everything together. Transfer to a greased pan and bake until it’s beautifully browned and inviting.
Storage Options
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers. Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months, ensuring it’s tightly wrapped or in a sealed container to maintain its best quality.
Variations and Substitutions
Tailor Paula Deen’s recipe to suit your palate or pantry:
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free crackers.
- Vegetarian Version: Opt for vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to cater to vegetarian preferences.
- Adding Meats: For a heartier version, mix in cooked sausage or bacon for added depth and richness.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of sage and poultry seasoning, or add herbs like thyme and rosemary for a different flavor profile.
This detailed breakdown and insights into Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing should help you craft a delightful dish that's sure to impress at any gathering!
Paula Deen's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 7 slices of oven-dried white bread
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers
- 8 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 1 large onion chopped
- 7 cups of chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sage optional
- 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning optional
- 5 beaten eggs for the dressing
For the Cornbread:
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 cup of self-rising cornmeal
- ½ cup of self-rising flour
- ¾ cup of buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
For the Cornbread:
- Preheat the Oven: Initiate the process by setting the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of self-rising cornmeal with half a cup of self-rising flour, three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk, two beaten eggs, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir these ingredients until well mixed.
- Bake the Cornbread: Pour the batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
For the Dressing:
- Preparation of Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the second time.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cornbread, tear the dried white bread into small pieces, and crumble the saltine crackers. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt eight tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion to the skillet and cook until they are transparent, which should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine with Dry Mixture: Transfer the cooked celery and onion to the bowl containing the breads and crackers. Pour in seven cups of chicken stock and mix thoroughly. Taste and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, optional sage, and optional poultry seasoning as desired.
- Add Eggs and Bake: Incorporate five beaten eggs into the mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Final Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dressing is thoroughly cooked and has a golden brown crust on top.
