5 Must-Try Cornbread Dressing Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is that time of the year when families and friends come together to celebrate gratitude, love, and the bounty of the harvest. At the heart of many Thanksgiving tables lies the traditional cornbread dressing, a dish that carries memories and flavors of the season. Whether you've been making the same recipe for years or you're looking to try something new, this post will guide you through five must-try cornbread dressing recipes that promise to elevate your holiday feast.

Classic Cornbread Dressing

Begin with the Classic Cornbread Dressing, a timeless recipe that features cornbread as the star ingredient. Here's what you need:

• 6 cups of crumbled cornbread
• 4 cups of white bread, cubed
• 2 cups of finely chopped celery
• 1 cup of diced onions
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté the celery and onions until soft, then mix with the crumbled cornbread and white bread.
3. Add beaten eggs, broth, sage, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until the top turns golden.

⭐ Note: You can adjust the moisture level by adding more or less broth, depending on how wet or dry you prefer your dressing.

Andouille Sausage Cornbread Dressing

If you're looking to add some kick to your Thanksgiving meal, consider Andouille Sausage Cornbread Dressing. The spicy sausage provides a robust flavor contrast:

• 1 pound of Andouille sausage, sliced
• 6 cups of crumbled cornbread
• 1 cup of diced bell peppers
• 1 cup of finely chopped green onions
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock

To prepare:

1. Cook sausage over medium heat until browned, then set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook bell peppers, onions, and garlic until tender.
3. Combine cornbread, sausage, pepper mixture, Cajun seasoning, and stock.
4. Follow the steps for Classic Dressing, but this time, sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning on top before baking.

Vegetarian Cornbread Dressing

For those celebrating a meat-free Thanksgiving, here's a Vegetarian Cornbread Dressing recipe:

• 6 cups of cornbread, crumbled
• 4 cups of cubed white bread
• 2 cups of finely chopped celery
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
• Vegetable broth to replace chicken broth

To prepare:

1. Follow the same steps as the Classic Dressing, substituting mushrooms for sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Include the thyme for a herbaceous touch.

Apple-Cranberry Cornbread Dressing

To add sweetness to the mix, try the Apple-Cranberry Cornbread Dressing:

• 6 cups of cornbread, crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups of diced apples
• 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

To prepare:

1. Mix apples and cranberries with the cornbread.
2. Add honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Follow the preparation steps for Classic Dressing.

Southwestern Cornbread Dressing

Last but not least, give your cornbread dressing a Southwestern twist with:

• 6 cups of crumbled cornbread
• 1 cup of corn kernels
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed
• 1 diced jalapeño
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Taco seasoning for spice

To prepare:

1. Combine all ingredients with the cornbread, including taco seasoning for flavor.
2. Follow the baking process for Classic Dressing, topping with cheese before baking.

As we wrap up our journey through these delicious variations of cornbread dressing, remember that Thanksgiving is more than just about the food; it's about the memories, traditions, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Each recipe here offers a unique take on a classic dish, allowing you to bring a piece of heritage or innovation to your table. Whether you choose to stay traditional with the Classic, spice it up with Andouille, or venture into vegetarian or sweet realms, your cornbread dressing will be a memorable addition to your holiday spread.