To make Paula Deen cornbread dressing, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 cups of crumbled cornbread
– 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can of cream of chicken soup
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
– 1 cup of chopped celery
– 1 cup of chopped onion
– 1 cup of chopped bell pepper
– 1/2 cup of melted butter
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious cornbread dressing:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth, cream of chicken soup, eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as the base for your dressing.
3. Next, prepare the vegetable mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped celery, onion, and bell pepper. These vegetables will add flavor and texture to the dressing.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the vegetable mixture to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, add the sautéed vegetables to the broth mixture in the large bowl. Stir until well combined.
6. Now, it's time to add the star ingredient – crumbled cornbread. Crumble the cornbread into the broth and vegetable mixture. Using a spoon or your hands, gently fold the ingredients together until the cornbread is evenly coated and well incorporated into the mixture.
7. Pour the cornbread dressing mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula to ensure an even bake.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center of the dressing is set. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Once the dressing is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and for the dressing to set further.
That's it! You have now made Paula Deen's cornbread dressing. This savory and comforting side dish is perfect for serving alongside your holiday turkey or as a delicious addition to any meal.
Personal tip: I have been making this cornbread dressing for years, and it has become a family favorite during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The combination of the moist cornbread, flavorful broth, and sautéed vegetables creates a delicious harmony of tastes and textures. I often like to add a touch of sage to the poultry seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding herbs, spices, or even cooked bacon or sausage for added richness. Enjoy!