There’s nothing quite like the warmth of home-cooked meals that bring family together, and *Mama’s cornbread dressing* is a shining star in that comforting lineup! This dish is steeped in tradition, often gracing the table during family gatherings, especially around the holidays. I remember the delightful aroma wafting through the house as Mama prepared it, filling us with anticipation and joy. It not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, reminding us of laughter shared and stories told over hearty meals. Trust me, this is a dish that brings everyone to the table, eager to savor each delicious bite. You’ll want to keep this recipe close, as it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting the perfect *Mama’s cornbread dressing*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia! Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for smooth sailing in the kitchen.
How to Prepare *Mamas Cornbread Dressing*
Getting started on *Mama’s cornbread dressing* is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress. First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown top that everyone loves.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread with the chopped celery, chopped onion, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything evenly—this is where the flavors start to come together! Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the cornbread blend and stir until everything is nicely coated. Then, add in the melted butter, mixing it until you can’t see any streaks of butter left. Now, transfer your beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma, and you can see that perfect crust forming on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix crumbled cornbread, chopped celery, chopped onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together chicken broth and beaten eggs.
- Pour the broth mixture into the cornbread mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Add melted butter and mix until there are no streaks of butter.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious dish, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. Typically, a serving size of *Mama’s cornbread dressing* (about 1 cup) contains around 250 calories, 12g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. This hearty side dish is packed with flavor, making it a delightful addition to your meal without sacrificing too much on the nutrition front. Enjoy it as part of a balanced plate!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Mama’s cornbread dressing* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, use day-old cornbread if you can; it crumbles better and absorbs the broth beautifully. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some cooked sausage or even diced apples for a hint of sweetness. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—adding more herbs or a pinch of garlic powder can elevate the flavor! Lastly, keep an eye on it while baking; every oven is different, so you might need to adjust the time slightly. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for family gatherings.
- Rich, savory flavors that remind you of home.
- Simple preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals.
- Brings back cherished memories and traditions with every bite.
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Mama’s cornbread dressing* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Trust me, a little reheating brings back that cozy flavor, making it feel just like it was freshly made!
FAQ Section
Got questions about *Mama’s cornbread dressing*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use store-bought cornbread? Absolutely! It saves time, but homemade always adds that personal touch.
What can I substitute for chicken broth? If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly!
Can I add other ingredients? Yes! Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, nuts, or even cranberries for a unique twist.
How do I make it ahead of time? Prepare it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it before serving!
What should I serve it with? This dressing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying *Mama’s cornbread dressing*, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it alongside a succulent roasted turkey or a tender baked ham for that classic holiday spread. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. You could also pair it with collard greens or green beans for a true Southern feast. And don’t forget a side of cranberry sauce for that sweet contrast—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Drucken
Mama’s Cornbread Dressing: 7 Hearty Tips for Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A flavorful and comforting cornbread dressing recipe inspired by Mama’s kitchen.
Zutaten
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, celery, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and eggs.
- Pour the broth mixture into the cornbread mixture and stir well.
- Add melted butter and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Southern
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: mamas cornbread dressing
