Thanksgiving in the South calls for a generous pan of golden, savory cornbread stuffing. Made with crumbled cornbread, aromatic vegetables, butter, herbs, broth, and plenty of comforting Southern flavors, these recipes are perfect alongside turkey, ham, chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, and all your favorite holiday sides.
From classic Southern cornbread dressing to sausage, bacon, chicken, oyster, apple, pecan, and sweet potato versions, these recipes give you plenty of delicious ideas for your Thanksgiving menu.
1. Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing 🌽🧈
This classic Southern cornbread dressing is savory, buttery, herby, and wonderfully moist in the center with golden edges.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2½–3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp rubbed sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add the onion and celery.
- Cook for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in sage and thyme.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add the vegetables to the cornbread.
- Whisk the eggs with 2½ cups broth.
- Pour the liquid gradually over the cornbread mixture.
- Gently fold everything together.
- Add more broth if needed—the mixture should be moist but not soupy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Southern tip: For the best texture, use cornbread that has been allowed to dry slightly before making the dressing.
2. Southern Sausage Cornbread Dressing 🥩🌽
Savory sausage makes this cornbread dressing especially hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet.
- Break it into small pieces while cooking.
- Remove the sausage and drain excess fat.
- Add butter to the skillet.
- Sauté onion and celery until tender.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine crumbled cornbread and sausage in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked vegetables.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Pour the broth mixture gradually over the cornbread.
- Mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
3. Southern Bacon Cornbread Stuffing 🥓
Crispy bacon adds smoky, savory flavor to tender cornbread dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 8 bacon slices
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp.
- Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Crumble once cool.
- Melt butter in the skillet.
- Add onion and celery.
- Cook until soft.
- Stir in sage and thyme.
- Combine cornbread, vegetables, and bacon.
- Whisk eggs and broth together.
- Pour over the mixture.
- Toss gently.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle extra bacon over the top before serving.
4. Southern Chicken Cornbread Dressing 🍗🌽
Tender shredded chicken makes this dressing substantial enough to serve as a main dish or alongside a holiday turkey.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Prepare cooked chicken and shred it.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery until tender.
- Add sage and poultry seasoning.
- Place cornbread in a large bowl.
- Add chicken and vegetables.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour into the bowl gradually.
- Stir gently.
- Season to taste.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Allow to rest before serving.
5. Southern Sage Cornbread Dressing 🌿
If you love classic Thanksgiving herbs, this simple sage-forward version is full of traditional Southern flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp rubbed sage
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add onion and celery.
- Cook until tender.
- Stir in sage and thyme.
- Crumble cornbread into a bowl.
- Add the vegetables.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Add the liquid gradually.
- Mix until evenly moistened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
6. Southern Apple Cornbread Dressing 🍎
Sweet apples provide a lovely contrast to savory cornbread and herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 2 firm apples, diced
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Crumble the cornbread.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery.
- Add diced apples.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in sage and thyme.
- Combine vegetables with cornbread.
- Add cranberries.
- Whisk eggs and broth together.
- Pour over the mixture.
- Fold gently.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
7. Southern Pecan Cornbread Dressing 🥜
Toasted pecans add crunch and a delicious nutty flavor to this Southern Thanksgiving favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.
- Set aside.
- Melt butter.
- Cook onion and celery until soft.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine cornbread and pecans.
- Add the vegetables.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour into the cornbread mixture.
- Stir gently.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
8. Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread Dressing 🍠
Roasted sweet potatoes add subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Roast at 400°F until tender.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery.
- Add sage.
- Combine cornbread, sweet potatoes, and vegetables.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Pour gradually over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
9. Southern Mushroom Cornbread Dressing 🍄
Earthy mushrooms make this a wonderful vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 12 oz mushrooms
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups vegetable broth
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add onion and celery.
- Cook until softened.
- Add sliced mushrooms.
- Cook until their moisture evaporates.
- Stir in herbs.
- Combine vegetables with cornbread.
- Whisk eggs and vegetable broth.
- Pour gradually into the bowl.
- Mix gently.
- Transfer to a casserole.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
10. Southern Sausage and Apple Cornbread Dressing 🍎🥩
Sausage, apples, and cornbread create an irresistible sweet-and-savory combination.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 1 lb sausage
- 2 apples
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown sausage.
- Remove from skillet.
- Melt butter.
- Cook onion and celery.
- Add apples.
- Cook briefly.
- Stir in herbs.
- Combine cornbread and sausage.
- Add vegetables and apples.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour over the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
11. Southern Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Dressing 🌶️🧀
For a little Southern heat, add fresh jalapeño and sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add onion, celery, and jalapeño.
- Cook until tender.
- Add sage.
- Combine vegetables with cornbread.
- Stir in half the cheddar.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Add the liquid gradually.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
12. Southern Cornbread Oyster Dressing 🦪🌽
Oysters are a traditional ingredient in some Southern holiday dressing recipes, bringing a distinctive savory, briny flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 8 oz shucked oysters, chopped
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add onion and celery.
- Cook until tender.
- Add herbs.
- Combine cornbread and vegetables.
- Add chopped oysters.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour gradually into the cornbread.
- Fold carefully.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, until thoroughly cooked.
Tip: Use fresh, properly refrigerated oysters from a reputable source.
13. Southern Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread Dressing 🥓🌶️
Crispy bacon and jalapeños add smoky heat to classic cornbread dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 8 bacon slices
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp sage
- ½ cup cheddar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp.
- Crumble and set aside.
- Sauté onion, celery, and jalapeño in butter.
- Add sage.
- Combine cornbread and vegetables.
- Add bacon and cheddar.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Pour over the mixture.
- Transfer to a greased dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Garnish with extra bacon if desired.
14. Southern Cranberry Pecan Cornbread Dressing 🍒🥜
Cranberries and pecans bring Thanksgiving colors and contrasting flavors to this Southern dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup pecans
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Toast the pecans.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine cornbread, cranberries, and pecans.
- Add vegetables.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour gradually over the mixture.
- Mix gently.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
15. Southern Green Onion Cornbread Dressing 🧅🌿
Green onions give classic cornbread dressing a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Slice the green onions.
- Dice the yellow onion and celery.
- Melt butter.
- Sauté yellow onion and celery.
- Add green onions during the final minute.
- Stir in herbs.
- Combine with cornbread.
- Add eggs and broth.
- Season to taste.
- Transfer to a casserole.
- Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
- Garnish with additional green onions.
16. Southern Buttermilk Cornbread Dressing 🥛🌽
Using homemade-style buttermilk cornbread gives this dressing a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
Ingredients
For the cornbread:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the dressing:
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter separately.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour into a greased skillet.
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Crumble the cornbread.
- Sauté onion and celery in butter.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine vegetables with cornbread.
- Whisk broth and eggs.
- Pour into the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
17. Southern Collard Green Cornbread Dressing 🥬
Collard greens add a distinctly Southern touch to traditional Thanksgiving dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 2 cups cooked chopped collard greens
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp sage
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook collard greens until tender.
- Drain thoroughly and chop.
- Sauté onion and celery in butter.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine cornbread and greens.
- Add the sautéed vegetables.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Add gradually.
- Mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
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18. Southern Creamy Cornbread Dressing 🧈
This version uses a little cream for an especially tender and rich texture.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2 cups broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Sauté onion and celery.
- Add herbs.
- Crumble cornbread into a bowl.
- Add vegetables.
- Whisk broth, cream, and eggs.
- Pour gradually over the cornbread.
- Mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
19. Southern Cornbread Dressing with Chicken and Sausage 🍗🥩
For the ultimate hearty dressing, combine tender chicken and savory sausage with classic Southern cornbread.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ lb breakfast sausage
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the sausage.
- Remove and drain.
- Cook onion and celery in butter.
- Add sage and poultry seasoning.
- Combine cornbread, chicken, and sausage.
- Add the cooked vegetables.
- Whisk eggs and broth.
- Pour over the cornbread mixture.
- Mix gently.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Allow to rest before serving.
20. Southern Maple Pecan Cornbread Dressing 🍁🥜
A small amount of maple syrup adds subtle sweetness without overpowering the savory herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cornbread
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2½ cups broth
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Toast the pecans lightly.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery.
- Add sage and thyme.
- Combine vegetables with cornbread.
- Stir in pecans.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Whisk eggs with broth.
- Pour gradually over the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
21. Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Cornbread Dressing 🦃🌽
This final recipe brings together the flavors of a traditional Southern Thanksgiving table: cornbread, sausage, celery, onion, sage, herbs, chicken broth, and a beautifully golden top.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled day-old cornbread
- ½ lb breakfast sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 celery stalks, finely diced
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp rubbed sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp rosemary
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Crumble the dried cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet.
- Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add onion and celery.
- Cook for 7–9 minutes until tender.
- Stir in sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and rosemary.
- Cook for another minute.
- Add the vegetables and sausage to the cornbread.
- Whisk eggs and chicken broth together.
- Pour about two-thirds of the liquid over the cornbread.
- Gently fold the mixture.
- Add more broth as needed until the dressing is moist but not watery.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the top evenly.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh sage or parsley.
- Serve warm with turkey and gravy.
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
The combination of crumbly cornbread, savory sausage, buttery vegetables, sage, poultry seasoning, and rich broth creates the classic Southern Thanksgiving flavor many families look forward to every year.
🍽️ What to Serve With Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern cornbread dressing is practically made for a traditional Thanksgiving spread.
Main Dishes
- Roast turkey
- Turkey breast
- Smoked turkey
- Roast chicken
- Honey baked ham
- Roast beef
Classic Southern Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Collard greens
- Green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Candied yams
- Cranberry sauce
- Deviled eggs
- Dinner rolls
- Creamed corn
Sauces
- Turkey gravy
- Giblet gravy
- Homemade chicken gravy
- Mushroom gravy
- Cranberry sauce
🌽 Tips for Perfect Southern Cornbread Dressing
Use day-old cornbread
Slightly dry cornbread absorbs broth much better and gives the finished dressing a better texture.
Don’t make the mixture too wet
Add broth gradually. You want the cornbread moist but not swimming in liquid.
Season generously
Cornbread itself can be mild, so sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, onion, celery, and black pepper are important for building flavor.
Don’t skip the celery
Celery adds the classic savory flavor and subtle crunch associated with traditional dressing.
Bake uncovered at the end
Covering the dish initially helps it cook evenly. Removing the foil allows the top to become golden and lightly crisp.
Let it rest
Give the dressing about 10 minutes to settle before serving. This makes it easier to scoop.
🗓️ Make-Ahead Southern Cornbread Dressing
Thanksgiving becomes much easier when you prepare some components ahead of time.
1–2 Days Before
- Bake the cornbread.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Crumble it.
- Let it dry slightly.
- Chop onion and celery.
- Cook sausage if using.
- Prepare herbs and seasonings.
Thanksgiving Morning
- Sauté the vegetables.
- Combine the dressing ingredients.
- Add broth shortly before baking.
- Transfer to the casserole dish.
- Refrigerate if preparing substantially ahead.
Before Dinner
- Bake until thoroughly heated and set.
- Remove the foil during the final portion of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve warm with gravy.
❓ Southern Cornbread Dressing FAQs
Is Southern cornbread dressing the same as stuffing?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but in many Southern traditions, the dish is commonly called cornbread dressing because it is prepared separately from the turkey rather than stuffed inside it.
What kind of cornbread is best?
A sturdy, slightly dry homemade-style cornbread works especially well. Avoid making it extremely sweet if you want a savory Southern-style dressing.
Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Yes. Store-bought cornbread can save time. Let it dry slightly or toast it before making the dressing.
Why is my cornbread dressing mushy?
Usually there is too much broth or the cornbread wasn’t dried sufficiently. Add broth gradually and stop once the mixture is moist but still holds its shape.
Can I make Southern cornbread dressing without sausage?
Absolutely. Classic Southern dressing can be made without meat. Use additional celery, onion, mushrooms, pecans, or herbs for extra flavor.
Can I make cornbread dressing vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit meat ingredients.
Can I add turkey drippings?
Yes. Turkey drippings can add tremendous flavor. Replace part of the broth with properly prepared pan drippings, adjusting the salt accordingly.
Can I freeze cornbread dressing?
Yes. Properly packaged cooked dressing can be frozen and reheated. The texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but it can still be delicious.
🍂 Final Thoughts
These 21 Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving bring together everything that makes Southern holiday cooking so comforting: golden cornbread, butter, celery, onion, sage, savory broth, sausage, bacon, pecans, apples, sweet potatoes, and plenty of homemade flavor.
For a traditional Thanksgiving table, try the Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing with turkey and gravy. If you want something richer, the Sausage Cornbread Dressing or Chicken and Sausage Cornbread Dressing are excellent choices. For a vegetarian-friendly option, try the Mushroom Cornbread Dressing or Pecan Cornbread Dressing.
And if you want a centerpiece-worthy side that combines several classic Southern flavors, the Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Cornbread Dressing is the perfect choice.