Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a savory, baked side dish central to traditional Southern U.S. cuisine, especially holiday meals like Thanksgiving. It's made from crumbled cornbread mixed with vegetables like celery and onion, chicken or turkey broth, and often includes pieces of poultry, eggs, and herbs like sage. Unlike a simple stuffing, it's typically baked in a casserole dish until set with a moist, custardy interior and a golden-brown top.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates and fat, with a moderate amount of protein from the cornbread, eggs, and any added meat. It provides key nutrients like iron and B vitamins from the cornmeal, along with a significant calorie load, often ranging from 300-450 calories per serving depending on the recipe and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 40 mcg DFE |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a cornerstone of Southern comfort food and holiday tradition, with family recipes passed down for generations. Nutritionally, the use of cornbread as a base (a whole grain) offers more fiber and minerals than white bread stuffing, though the overall dish is quite calorie-dense.
