Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe (2024)

Introducing the timeless delight of Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe – a cherished Southern tradition that has graced Thanksgiving tables for generations.

The dressing, artfully assembled with a touch of cream of Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings and seasoned with optional sage, encapsulates the essence of Southern comfort.

Join us as we dive into Brenda Gantt’s heartwarming culinary heritage, where each forkful tells a story of love, family, and the joy of sharing cherished recipes around the holiday table.

Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

• Good quality cornbread (prepared in advance, crumbled)
• 2 cups of self-rising cornmeal mix
• Buttermilk (amount may vary to achieve desired consistency)
• 5 eggs
• 1 bunch of celery
• 2 large onions
• 1 stick of butter
• Turkey broth (from roasted turkey, as needed)
• 1 can (22 ounces) of cream of chicken soup
• Sage (optional, to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Stale white bread (torn into pieces)

Equipment & Tools Required

1. Mixing Bowl
2. Skillet or Baking Dish
3. Oven
4. Cutting Board and Knife
5. Strainer & Spatula
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Preparation: 30-45 min
Cooking: 30-35 min

Let’s Make Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Step-01. Prepare the Cornbread:
– Use a self-rising cornmeal mix to make the cornbread.
– Mix cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs together to create a batter.
– Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Grease a cold skillet with solid Crisco.
– Pour the cornbread batter into the greased skillet and bake until it’s cooked and just done, without browning too much.
– Allow the cornbread to cool slightly, then crumble it finely using your hands. Set aside.

Step-02. Prep the Celery and Onions:
– Clean and chop a bunch of celery into thin strips, removing any tough strings.
– Dice the onions into small pieces.

Step-03. Boil Celery and Onions:
– In a pot, melt a stick of butter and add the chopped celery and diced onions.
– Cover the vegetables with water and bring to a boil.
– Boil until the celery becomes tender.
– Drain the celery and onions, reserving the cooking liquid (broth) for later use.

Step-04. Assemble the Dressing:
– Place the crumbled cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
– Tear the white bread into small pieces and gently place them on top of the cornbread. Do not mix.
– Pour some of the reserved turkey broth over the bread, moistening it without making it too soggy.
– Add a can of cream of chicken soup and spread it over the bread.
– Optionally, add sage and salt to taste.

Step-05. Mix and Spread:
– Gently mix the ingredients in the bowl, making sure the bread is evenly moistened.
– Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or pan.

Step-06. Baking:
– Preheat the oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
– Bake in the preheated oven until the dressing sets, starts to bubble, and edges may turn slightly golden brown.

Step-07. Serving:
– Once the dressing is cooked and has a nice texture, remove it from the oven.
– Let it cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Southern cornbread dressing!

Please watch the provided video for a more comprehensive understanding.

Serving Ideas for Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

1. Classic Thanksgiving Feast: Serve as a centerpiece, accompanied by Brenda Gantt Strawberry Delight as a refreshing dessert, and a side of Lacey Cornbread for added texture.

2. Southern Comfort Meal: Pair the Cornbread Dressing with Fried Green Tomatoes for a tangy contrast, White Lily Biscuits for a comforting touch, and Hush Puppies as a delightful appetizer.

3. Country BBQ Spread: Combine the Cornbread Dressing with Brenda Gantt Buttermilk Cornbread to complement the smoky flavors of BBQ dishes. Add Brenda Gantt Chili for extra warmth and heartiness.

4. Southern Picnic Delight: Pack a picnic with Cornbread Dressing as the main dish, Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad as a creative side, and Chicken and Dumplings as a classic comfort food addition.

5. Comforting Family Dinner: Present Cornbread Dressing with a comforting Chicken and Dumplings dish, and enjoy the complementary flavors of Buttermilk Cornbread and Brenda Gantt Lacey Cornbread.

6. Southern Brunch Spread: Create a brunch feast with a slice of Cornbread Dressing, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Brenda Gantt Hush Puppies. Finish with a serving of Strawberry Delight.

7. Tex-Mex Fusion Meal: Combine Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Dressing with Brenda Gantt Chili for a Tex-Mex fusion. Serve alongside Brenda Gantt White Lily Biscuits and Hush Puppies.

Remember that the serving ideas can be mixed and matched to suit various occasions and tastes. Enjoy exploring the flavors and textures that Brenda Gantt’s recipes bring to your meals!

Some tips for Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

1. Choose High-Quality Cornmeal Mix: Using a good quality self-rising cornmeal mix like White Lily Buttermilk Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix can make a significant difference in the texture and taste of your cornbread.

2. Ensure Proper Consistency: When preparing the cornbread batter, adjust the amount of buttermilk to achieve a batter that is moist but not too runny. The consistency should allow for a well-cooked and crumbly cornbread.

3. Avoid Over-Baking Cornbread: Bake the cornbread until it’s just done and not overly browned. This will ensure that the cornbread remains soft and doesn’t become too dry.

4. Celery and Onion Prep: Take the time to properly clean and chop the celery and dice the onions. Removing the tough strings from celery and finely dicing the onions will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.

5. Boiling Celery and Onions: Boiling the celery and onions in butter helps infuse their flavors into the dressing. Be sure to drain and reserve the cooking liquid (broth) for later use.

6. Mind the Salt: Be cautious with adding salt, as both the turkey broth and cream of chicken soup contain salt. Taste the mixture before adding more to avoid over-seasoning.

7. Gentle Mixing: When mixing the ingredients, use a gentle folding motion to avoid overworking the mixture, which could lead to a gummy texture.

8. Baking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for baking. This temperature range helps set the dressing and achieve a nice texture.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to create a delicious and authentic Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing that your family and guests will love.

In the heart of Southern cooking traditions lies Brenda Gantt’s cherished Cornbread Dressing recipe, a culinary treasure that embodies warmth and nostalgia. With every step, from crumbling the perfectly baked cornbread to delicately mixing in the rich flavors of celery, onions, and turkey broth, this recipe resonates with the essence of family gatherings and holiday feasts.

Brenda’s attention to detail and the careful layering of ingredients create a dish that captures the spirit of comfort and togetherness. As the dressing bakes to a golden hue, it’s a testament to generations of love and culinary expertise. A true Southern classic, this Cornbread Dressing reflects not just a recipe, but a piece of Brenda’s heart shared with each delicious bite.

FAQs on Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Here are some commonly asked questions and and their short answers on Brenda Gantt Cornbread Dressing Recipe

1. What is the difference between cornbread stuffing and cornbread dressing?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, while dressing is cooked separately in a dish. Brenda Gantt’s recipe is for cornbread dressing.

2. Why is my cornbread dressing gummy?

Cornbread dressing can become gummy if there’s too much liquid added or if it’s overmixed. Make sure to moisten the bread gradually and mix gently to achieve the desired texture.

3. Why is my cornbread dressing dry?

Dryness can result from not adding enough liquid to the bread mixture. Ensure you have enough turkey broth, cream of chicken soup, and other liquids to keep the dressing moist during baking.

4. Why is my cornbread dressing bland?

Lack of flavor can be due to insufficient seasoning. Ensure you’ve added enough salt, sage, and other desired spices to enhance the taste. Taste and adjust as needed before baking.

5. Can I freeze the dressing before baking it?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dressing before baking. Store it in an airtight container or bag, and thaw before baking. You may need to adjust liquid and seasonings after thawing.

6. What’s the purpose of the cream of chicken soup in the recipe?

The cream of chicken soup adds flavor, moisture, and creaminess to the dressing. It helps bind the ingredients together while baking.

7. Can I use a different type of bread besides white bread?

While the recipe calls for stale white bread, you can experiment with other types of bread for a different flavor. Just ensure they complement the overall taste.

8. How do I know when the dressing is done baking?

The dressing should be cooked until it’s set, slightly bubbly, and the edges may turn golden brown. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it while baking.

9. Can I adjust the amount of sage in the recipe?

Absolutely! The amount of sage can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Add more for a stronger sage flavor or less if you prefer a milder taste.

10. What can I serve the cornbread dressing with?

Cornbread dressing is a classic side dish often served with roast turkey, chicken, or other poultry dishes. It complements gravy, cranberry sauce, and other Thanksgiving sides.

Remember that cooking times and outcomes can vary based on individual preferences and variations in ingredients, so feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste and needs.