Instructions:
- Prepare the cornbread: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool.
- Once the cornbread has cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled cornbread in the mixing bowl.
- Mix in the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring as you go. The amount of broth you need may vary depending on how moist you like your dressing, but 2 cups is a good starting point.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cornbread dressing is a delicious side dish that pairs well with roasted turkey or chicken. You can customize it by adding ingredients like cooked sausage, chopped pecans, or cranberries for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy!