Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

Savor the Southern Comfort of Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Southern cuisine with Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing recipe. This iconic dish combines the rich flavors of homemade cornbread with aromatic herbs and savory vegetables, creating a perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast or Sunday dinner.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive Thanksgiving gathering or simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, this recipe encapsulates the essence of traditional Southern cooking. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a splash of Paula Deen’s magic? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.

A Southern Classic: Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing not only recreates the classic flavors of the South but also amps up the taste with a perfect blend of textures and seasonings. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a foray into the art of Southern cooking, made simple enough for any home cook to master.

Here’s how you can achieve that signature Paula Deen taste, complete with professional tips to ensure your cornbread dressing turns out wonderfully every time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing:

1. Cornbread Preparation: Make the cornbread a day ahead and let it dry out overnight for the best texture in your dressing.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: Cook the celery and onions until they’re soft but not browned to maintain their flavor without overpowering the dish.
3. Moisture Control: Add chicken stock gradually to achieve the right consistency without making the dressing too wet.
4. Seasoning Balance: Taste as you go, especially when adding salt and pepper, to ensure the flavors are well-balanced.
5. Baking Perfection: Cover the dressing with foil for the first part of baking to keep it moist, then uncover to achieve a golden-brown top.

Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 10-12
• Equipment: Large mixing bowl, skillet, 9×13-inch baking dish

With this cornbread dressing, your kitchen will transform into a haven of Southern delights, echoing the flavors of Paula Deen’s famous recipes.

Ingredients:

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Dressing:

• 7 slices oven-dried white bread
• 1 sleeve saltine crackers
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 7 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• 5 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cornbread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, 2 eggs, and oil in a bowl. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Oven: When ready to make the dressing, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Create the Bread Mixture: Crumble the cornbread and white bread into a large bowl. Crush the saltine crackers and add to the mixture.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onions, cooking until soft, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sautéed vegetables over the bread mixture. Add chicken stock, salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
6. Add Eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs, ensuring everything is well combined.
7. Bake the Dressing: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving alongside your favorite main dishes.

The Perfect Southern Side Dish

Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of Southern culinary traditions. This dish pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, baked crab legs, or even a hearty beef stew. For a complete Southern feast, serve it alongside buttermilk biscuits and creamy mac and cheese.

Remember, the key to perfecting this recipe lies in the quality of your cornbread. For an extra Southern touch, you might want to try making Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread as the base for this dressing.

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Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, Paula Deen’s Cornbread Dressing is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its comforting flavors and rich texture make it the perfect side dish for any occasion, truly embodying the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking.

For more Southern-inspired recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out Paula Deen’s official website. Happy cooking, y’all!