Momma's Cornbread Dressing with Turkey Gravy
Try this Momma's Cornbread Dressing with Turkey Gravy recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Momma's Cornbread Dressing with Turkey Gravy recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 t. oregano
- 1 t. italian seasoning
- 2 t. flour
- 1 t. sage
- 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 4 t. butter
- ingredients for turkey gravy below
- 2 lbs. turkey thighs
- 2 c. diced onion
- 1.5 c. diced celery
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- just enough water to cover thighs
- 4 c. chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cans healthy request cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans healthy request cream of mushroom soup
- ingredients for buttermilk cornbread below
- 2 c. aunt jemima buttermilk corn meal mix
- 4 t. melted butter
- 1.5 c. buttermilk
- ingredients for dressing below
- 4 c. seasoned cornbread stuffing mix croutons (i use
- 1 3/4 c. celery
- 1 3/4 c. onion
- 1 t. ground thyme
- 1 t. poultry seasoning
- 2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 t. melted butter
- ingredients for roux below
- Carbohydrate 0.488979166666667 g
- Cholesterol 23.8439391166667 mg
- Fat 3.31789903316667 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 7.44417629666667 g
- Saturated Fat 1.05762481708333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (48g)
- Sodium 175.901971408333 mg
- Sugar 0.488979166666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.386367328083334 g
- Calories 63 calories
Step-by-step
- Start with the turkey for the gravy - In a large pot, add 2 cups diced onion, 1.5 cups diced celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to just cover the thighs. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour or until done and tender.
- Once done remove the thighs and reserve the leftover broth with the cooked celery and onion.
- Remove skin from thighs and rough chop turkey. Set aside. We make ours a day ahead.
- Make the cornbread - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cast iron skillet with butter and place in the oven to warm while you mix the ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal mix, melted butter, buttermilk and eggs. Mix well.
- Pour into skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. Allow to cool. We make ours a day ahead.
- Make Dressing - Cube cornbread and place into a large bowl and mash. Add croutons and mash into cornbread.
- Add celery, onion, Italian seasoning, sage, ground thyme, poultry seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl add chicken or turkey broth to remaining broth made from turkey thighs. Combine with cream of chicken and cream of celery. Whisk well.
- Add 8 cups of this hot soupy broth to cornbread mixture. Mix well. Add 2 T. melted butter and mix well.
- Spray 24 muffin wells and scoop about ½ cup of dressing into each well.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until set and browned.
- Make the roux - In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for about a minute.
- Add roux to remaining soupy broth and mix well. Thicken over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Pour over individual dressing servings and serve with Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Say Grace and enjoy!
A Thanksgiving Tradition: Momma's Cornbread Dressing
Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of warmth, family, and of course, a table laden with delicious food. For me, Thanksgiving isn't complete without Momma's Cornbread Dressing. It's a recipe passed down through generations, a comforting hug in a bowl, and the centerpiece of our holiday feast. This isn't just a side dish; it's a story, a tradition, a taste of home.
The aroma alone is enough to transport me back to childhood Thanksgivings, the bustling kitchen filled with the happy chaos of family preparing the meal. The scent of roasting turkey mingling with the sweet, savory fragrance of cornbread baking in the cast iron skillet…pure magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, each step a ritual that connects me to my heritage and the women who came before me. The careful chopping of celery and onions, the precise measurement of spices, the satisfying sizzle of the roux – it’s more than cooking; it's a meditation on gratitude and togetherness.
I remember watching Momma meticulously prepare the dressing, her hands moving with practiced ease. She'd hum along to the radio, sharing stories and laughter with her sisters and cousins. The kitchen wasn’t just a place to cook; it was the heart of our celebration, where memories were made and bonds were strengthened. Now, as I carry on this tradition, I find myself reflecting on those moments, cherishing the legacy that this simple recipe represents.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Over the years, I've adapted it slightly, using healthier ingredients where possible, but the essence of Momma's recipe remains. The cornbread, perfectly moist and crumbly, is the foundation of this dish. The combination of herbs and spices—sage, thyme, oregano—creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that complements the richness of the turkey broth. And the gravy, oh that gravy! A velvety smooth roux, perfectly seasoned, takes the dressing to the next level.
This year, as I prepare Momma's Cornbread Dressing, I'll be thinking about those who came before me, the hands that kneaded the dough, the hearts that filled the kitchen with love. And as I share this dish with my own family, I'll be passing on a tradition, a legacy, a taste of home, one spoonful at a time. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise for the future.
Beyond the holiday table, this dressing shines as a versatile side dish for countless occasions. It's a comforting companion to roasted chicken, a delightful addition to a potluck, or a satisfying standalone meal for a cozy weeknight dinner. Its flavors are so deeply satisfying, so rich and complex, that it elevates even the simplest of meals.
So, this Thanksgiving, or any time you crave a taste of tradition and home, I encourage you to give Momma's Cornbread Dressing a try. You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also embark on a culinary journey that connects you to the heart of what Thanksgiving truly represents – gratitude, family, and the love shared around a table brimming with cherished recipes.
This isn't just food; it's a story waiting to be told, one delicious bite at a time.
Happy cooking!
