Description
Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines crumbly plant-based cornbread with smoky smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs like thyme and sage, and a medley of vegetables. Moist and tender with a golden crust, this dressing offers a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and herbal earthiness, ideal for festive family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornbread Base
- 4 cups plant-based cornbread, crumbled
Veggies and Protein
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
Herbs and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (optional)
Liquids and Binding
- 2 cups warm vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornbread and Veggies: Crumble the plant-based cornbread into a large mixing bowl, aiming for bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, onions, and smoked turkey bacon. Sauté the celery, onions, and smoked turkey bacon in a pan until softened and aromatic, creating a smoky base for the dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the sautéed mixture to the crumbled cornbread. Include the chopped fresh thyme and sage, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and optional plant-based cheese. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without crushing the cornbread.
- Add Broth and Natural Gelling Agent: Gradually pour the warm vegetable broth into the mixture, stirring gently until the dressing is moist yet not soggy. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the mix and fold it in carefully to help bind the dressing as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top forms a golden crust and the center is set but still moist.
Notes
- Use day-old plant-based cornbread to better absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain a crumbly texture and avoid overmixing.
- Add vegetable broth gradually to avoid a too-wet consistency.
- Fresh thyme and sage significantly enhance aroma and authenticity.
- Allow the dressing to rest for a few minutes after baking to set properly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: southern cornbread dressing, plant-based dressing, smoked turkey bacon, holiday side dish, savory cornbread dressing
