Calico Corn Bread Dressing - Brenda Gantt (2024)

• pork, Side dish, Veggies

• By recipeshub
• July 29, 2023

Calico Corn Bread Dressing is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations, originating from Colleen Ruple’s mother, who was inspired by her mother-in-law’s corn bread dressing. This delightful dressing has become a beloved tradition for Colleen’s family, an essential dish served every Thanksgiving. The appeal of this recipe lies in its versatility and abundance, as they make enough to enjoy during the holiday and still have plenty left over to freeze and savor throughout the year.

The preparation of this dressing involves baking delicious cornbread made from all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and canola oil. The result is a tender and flavorful cornbread that serves as the base for the dressing.

The dressing itself is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring bulk pork sausage, celery, green peppers, dried minced garlic, pepper, cayenne, white bread, chicken broth, green onions, and fresh parsley. The combination of savory and aromatic ingredients creates a rich and comforting dressing that perfectly complements any Thanksgiving meal.

INGREDIENTS:

For Cornbread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 cups yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 eggs
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup canola oil

For Dressing:

• 4 pounds bulk pork sausage
• 5 cups water
• 8 cups sliced celery (about 1½ bunches)
• 2 medium green peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons dried minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 24 slices white bread, cubed
• 6 cans (14½ ounces each) chicken broth
• 2 bunches green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley

PREP: 45 minutes + Cooling

BAKE: 35 minutes

MAKES: 58 servings (¾ cup each)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Prepare the cornbread by combining flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and canola oil, then stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Bake in two greased 13×9-in. baking dishes at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire racks.
2. In two Dutch ovens, cook bulk pork sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in water, sliced celery, chopped green peppers, dried minced garlic, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Crumble the cooled cornbread into ½-inch pieces in several large bowls. Stir in cubed white bread, chicken broth, sliced green onions, and minced fresh parsley. Add the cooked sausage mixture and divide among four greased 13×9-in. baking dishes.
4. Cover the baking dishes and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the dressing is lightly browned.

Calico Corn Bread Dressing is a cherished family recipe that has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for Colleen Ruple’s family in Beaumont, Texas. Inspired by her mother-in-law’s corn bread dressing, Colleen’s mother created this delightful and versatile dressing that remains a highlight of their Thanksgiving feast.

The heart of this recipe lies in its cornbread, lovingly crafted with all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and canola oil. The resulting cornbread is tender, flavorful, and serves as the perfect foundation for the dressing.

The dressing itself is a symphony of flavors, featuring bulk pork sausage, sliced celery, chopped green peppers, dried minced garlic, pepper, cayenne, cubed white bread, chicken broth, sliced green onions, and minced fresh parsley. These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a rich and comforting dressing that delights the palate with every bite.

Preparing Calico Corn Bread Dressing requires some time and effort, but the reward is well worth it. With a generous yield of 58 servings, there’s plenty to enjoy during the Thanksgiving celebration, and the abundance allows for freezing and savoring this delectable dressing throughout the year.

The tradition of preparing Calico Corn Bread Dressing is a testament to the cherished memories shared around the Thanksgiving table. The warmth of family, the joy of being together, and the delicious flavors of this dressing create an unforgettable dining experience.

In conclusion, Calico Corn Bread Dressing is a treasured family recipe that brings comfort, joy, and flavor to Colleen Ruple’s Thanksgiving celebrations in Beaumont, Texas. With its delightful cornbread base and a medley of savory ingredients, this dressing is a fitting accompaniment to any holiday feast. The tradition of making ample servings ensures a year-round enjoyment of this cherished dish, as it brings joy and fond memories to every occasion it graces.