Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing features moist, golden cornbread blended with savory herbs, celery, and onions, baked to a warm, fluffy texture with a crispy, browned top, delivering a classic Southern comfort food experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread (crumbled)
- 1 cup day-old white bread (cubed)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Use day-old white bread to prevent sogginess and maintain a light, fluffy texture in your dressing. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried ones, but dried sage, thyme, and parsley deliver the most authentic Southern flavor. Make sure to saute diced onions and celery in butter until tender to enhance the savory depth of the dish. Measuring the chicken broth precisely helps achieve the perfect moisture balance without making the dressing too wet. Your Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing copycat will capture the classic Southern comfort food experience with its moist cornbread, savory herbs, and crispy browned top.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease baking dish.
- Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and celery until softened.
- In mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread.
- Add sautéed onion and celery to bread mixture.
- In separate bowl, whisk eggs and chicken broth together.
- Add salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and parsley to egg mixture; mix well.
- Pour egg mixture over bread and vegetables; stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil (optional for moister texture).
- Bake 30 minutes covered.
- Uncover and bake additional 10–15 minutes, until top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing combines crumbly cornbread and day-old white bread with aromatic herbs and sauteed vegetables to create a savory Southern staple. If you don't have day-old bread, lightly toasting fresh bread cubes can provide a similar texture and absorbency. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing moisture or flavor. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance aroma but reduce cooking time slightly, so add them closer to the end of baking. For even heating, cover the dressing with aluminum foil during the first half of baking and remove it to crisp the top.
Tips
Ensure your cornbread is moist but not overly wet, as this affects the final texture of the dressing. Use day-old white bread for better absorption without becoming mushy, supporting a hearty structure. When sauteing onions and celery, cook until just softened to maintain their flavor and slight crunch. Your baking time and coverage with foil can be adjusted for preferred moisture levels, so monitor the dressing to achieve a crisp, golden top without drying it out.
Nutritions
Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing offers a balanced blend of carbohydrates from the cornbread and white bread, providing a good energy source. The inclusion of eggs and butter adds protein and healthy fats, while the chicken broth contributes to hydration and savory flavor with minimal calories. Herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley not only enhance taste but also deliver antioxidants and essential nutrients. Your meal benefits from fiber and vitamins derived from the sauteed onions and celery, promoting digestive health.
Storage
Store your Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly after it cools to prevent bacterial growth. It will maintain its best texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days when chilled properly. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with turkey or vegetable broth. Incorporate chopped cooked sausage or bacon for added savory depth. You can swap dried herbs with fresh ones like rosemary or cilantro to brighten the dressing. Your cornbread dressing will benefit from adding chopped apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness and texture contrast.
Allergies
Honey Baked Ham's Cornbread Dressing contains common allergens such as eggs and butter, which includes milk, potentially triggering reactions in individuals with egg or dairy allergies. The presence of bread and cornbread also suggests gluten, which can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consider allergen substitutes if needed to ensure safety.
Why this recipe?
Cornbread Dressing from Honey Baked Ham restaurant is beloved for its moist, flavorful texture and perfect balance of savory herbs and spices that capture traditional Southern comfort food. The dish combines rich cornbread crumbs with a blend of celery, onions, and seasonings, creating a hearty, satisfying side that complements the sweet and smoky profile of Honey Baked Ham's signature offerings. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate the authentic taste and aroma in your own kitchen, providing a homemade comfort food experience that friends and family will appreciate. Your attempt at this flavorful recipe ensures a deliciously satisfying addition to holiday meals or everyday dinners.