Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

The Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing is a Southern classic that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table. Made with moist, crumbly cornbread, savory herbs, and a rich chicken broth, this dressing (also called stuffing) is the perfect blend of homestyle flavor and cozy texture.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

This dish is a traditional Southern dressing that starts with homemade cornbread mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and fragrant herbs like sage and thyme. Combined with eggs and broth, then baked until golden and crisp on top yet tender inside, this dressing captures the soul of classic Southern cooking.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
• Pioneer Woman Baked Beans
• Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Authentic Southern Flavor – Moist, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.
• Homemade Comfort Food – Tastes just like Grandma’s recipe.
• Perfect Holiday Side Dish – Ideal for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinners.
• Easy to Customize – Add sausage, chicken, or vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Saves time on busy holiday mornings.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• 1 batch of baked cornbread (about 8 cups, crumbled)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Useful Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the cornbread

Bake your favorite cornbread recipe a day ahead or use leftover cornbread. Crumble it into a large bowl and let it dry out slightly — this helps it absorb the broth without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In the bowl with the crumbled cornbread, add the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix evenly.

Step 4: Add eggs and broth

Pour the beaten eggs over the cornbread mixture, then gradually add chicken broth. Stir until everything is moistened but not soggy. The consistency should be thick yet spoonable.

Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.

Step 6: Bake the dressing

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Allow the dressing to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too Dry: Added extra broth for a moist, tender texture.
• Too Salty: Switched to low-sodium broth and seasoned at the end.
• Soggy Texture: Used slightly dried-out cornbread and less broth.
• Lacked Flavor: Added more sage and sautéed vegetables for depth.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

• Use whole-grain or gluten-free cornbread for added fiber.
• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt.
• Add extra vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
• Substitute egg whites for whole eggs to reduce fat.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

• Cornbread Substitute: Store-bought cornbread or cornbread muffins.
• Butter Substitute: Margarine or coconut oil.
• Broth Substitute: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Sage Substitute: Poultry seasoning for a balanced flavor.
• Egg Substitute: Flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

• With Gravy: Pour warm turkey or chicken gravy over each serving.
• Stuffed in Bell Peppers: Use as a filling for baked peppers.
• With Cranberry Sauce: A Sweet and savory combination.
• Breakfast Casserole: Add sausage and bake with eggs.
• Fried Dressing Patties: Form leftovers into patties and pan-fry until crisp.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing Success

• Dry the Cornbread: Prevents sogginess.
• Taste Before Baking: Adjust seasoning to preference.
• Add Broth Slowly: Keeps texture balanced.
• Use Homemade Broth: Adds richer flavor.
• Bake Uncovered: Ensures a crispy, golden top.
• Rest Before Serving: Lets dressing firm up for perfect slices.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

• Sausage Cornbread Dressing: Add browned breakfast sausage for heartiness.
• Oyster Dressing: Stir in chopped oysters for coastal flavor.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Dressing: Mix in diced jalapeños and shredded cheese.
• Apple Pecan Dressing: Add diced apples and toasted pecans for sweetness.
• Herb Butter Dressing: Top with melted herb butter before baking.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label for Freshness: Note the date before freezing.
• Thaw Overnight: Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warm.
• Skillet: Reheat on low with a little butter for crisp edges.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg

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FAQs

Can I make Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the mixture a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day — just add a splash of broth before baking if it seems dry.

How do I keep cornbread dressing from being too soggy?

Use day-old or slightly dried cornbread and add the broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not wet. Baking uncovered also helps crisp the top.

Can I add meat to this cornbread dressing recipe?

Absolutely. Browned sausage, shredded chicken, or even turkey drippings can be added for extra flavor and richness.

How do I make this dressing vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip any meat-based add-ins. The flavor remains rich and satisfying with the right herbs and butter.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Cornbread Dressing is the ultimate Southern comfort dish — warm, buttery, and filled with classic flavors that feel like home. Each bite delivers a tender, savory taste with hints of sage and onion that pair perfectly with turkey, chicken, or ham.