Cornbread Dressing with Sausage – A Comforting Southern Classic 🍽️

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, I learned that food is more than nourishment it’s a way to connect, share stories, and celebrate love. While Greek recipes filled my childhood kitchen, I’ve always been fascinated by how other cultures express comfort through food.

The first time I tried cornbread dressing with sausage, I was visiting a friend in the U.S. South. The aroma of baked cornbread, sizzling sausage, and savory herbs filled the air it reminded me of my grandmother’s Sunday feasts back home. There’s something magical about a dish that brings people together, no matter where they come from.

Cornbread dressing with sausage has become one of my favorite dishes to serve during the holidays or when I want to share warmth around the table. The balance of sweet, buttery cornbread with spicy, savory sausage is irresistible. It’s the kind of food that makes your kitchen smell like love and comfort combined.

Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or looking for a new twist on a classic, this cornbread dressing with sausage recipe is hearty, easy to make, and full of flavor. You’ll love how it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even on its own as a main dish.

Ingredients 🧂

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece:

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter

For the Dressing:

• 1 pound pork sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Make the Cornbread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter, then combine with the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely, then crumble it into coarse pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Once cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add butter, onion, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Gradually pour in chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs.

Step 5: Bake the Dressing
Transfer the mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a touch of freshness. Serve warm with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Serve this cornbread dressing with sausage as a holiday side dish or a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Add a drizzle of gravy on top for extra richness.
• For a Mediterranean touch, try using Greek sausage (loukaniko) and a sprinkle of feta.
• Pair with roasted chicken and a side of green beans for a wholesome meal.

Tips & Tricks 💡

• If you like your dressing extra moist, add an additional ½ cup of chicken broth before baking.
• Let your cornbread sit overnight uncovered it absorbs the flavors better.
• Add a chopped apple or handful of dried cranberries for a sweet-savory twist.
• This recipe freezes well! Just thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.

Recipe Card

⏰ Time:
Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Total: 1 hr 5 mins

🧂 Ingredients:
Cornbread, sausage, onion, celery, herbs, eggs, and chicken broth.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Bake cornbread and crumble.
2. Brown sausage and sauté veggies.
3. Combine everything with broth and eggs.
4. Bake until golden.

📝 Notes:
Use day-old cornbread for the best texture. Adjust seasoning as you like.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 24g | Fiber: 2g

The Short Version (100 Words)

Cornbread dressing with sausage is a heartwarming Southern dish perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. Sweet, crumbly cornbread meets savory sausage, onions, and herbs to create a comforting, flavorful bake. Bake the cornbread, crumble it, mix with browned sausage, veggies, broth, and eggs, then bake until golden and crisp on top. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture moist, buttery, and aromatic. Serve it with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, and let its comforting taste fill your home with warmth and joy. Simple, satisfying, and made with love just like every dish should be.

Conclusion 🌾

This cornbread dressing with sausage is a beautiful reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated it just needs heart. Each bite tells a story of shared meals, family gatherings, and simple pleasures.

Cooking, to me, is about making memories. Whether it’s a Greek moussaka or a Southern-style dressing, food connects us in the most heartfelt way. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table, just like it did to mine.

From my kitchen in Crete to yours, happy cooking, my friends. 💛