The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from Crete, Greece, but let me tell you, nothing brings people together quite like a warm, savory cornbread dressing. Growing up, my family didn’t eat much southern food, but when I traveled to the U.S., I fell in love with cornbread dressing. The smell of cornbread toasted and crumbled, mixed with sausage, onions, and herbs it immediately reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen, full of laughter, storytelling, and comfort.
Making cornbread dressing with sausage always feels like a hug on a plate. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for holidays or a cozy family dinner. I love adding my own twist with a little extra sage or thyme, keeping it simple but unforgettable. Every bite is a reminder that cooking is about love, sharing, and creating memories around the table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special Sunday meal, this dressing never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread (about 1 large pan)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread dressing with sausage is perfect alongside roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even a hearty vegetable roast. For a Southern twist, add cranberry sauce or gravy to make it extra special.
Tips for Perfect Cornbread Dressing
- Use slightly stale cornbread—it absorbs flavors better.
- Don’t over-saturate with broth; you want it moist but not mushy.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Make ahead: Prepare the mixture the day before and bake fresh on serving day.
Quick 100-Word Recipe Version
Warm, savory, and bursting with flavor, this Cornbread Dressing with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food. Start with crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, sautéed onions, celery, and garlic. Mix in sage, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and beaten eggs. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with parsley and serve alongside your favorite roast or turkey. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, this dressing combines Southern charm with simple, flavorful ingredients. Every bite is a reminder of home, warmth, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
Recipe Card
⏱ Time Cook: 45–50 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2–3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F, grease dish
- Cook sausage, remove
- Sauté onion, celery, garlic in butter
- Mix cornbread, sausage, veggies, herbs, spices
- Add chicken broth & eggs
- Bake 45–50 mins until golden
- Garnish with parsley
💡 Note: Use slightly stale cornbread for best texture
🥗 Nutrition: Approx. 320 kcal per serving
Conclusion
Cornbread dressing with sausage isn’t just a dish it’s a tradition, a warm hug on a plate, and a centerpiece for meaningful gatherings. From the first savory bite to the golden, crispy top, it’s a dish that invites conversation, laughter, and a sense of home. Cooking it reminds me of my grandmother’s lessons: simple ingredients, prepared with love, create meals that bring people together. Serve it at holidays or a casual dinner, and watch your family or guests light up with joy. It’s comfort food, Southern style, with a touch of love from my kitchen to yours.