Description
Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Cornbread Dressing offers a comforting Southern classic that blends rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Herb-infused cornbread and traditional seasonings create a memorable side dish home cooks will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (340 g/12 oz) dried bread cubes
- 1 can (414 g/14.5 oz) chicken broth
- 1 can (310 g/10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 package (227 g/8 oz) sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- 1 egg
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 pieces celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Aromatic Base Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat (180°C/350°F). Sauté celery, onions, salt, and black pepper until vegetables become translucent and softened.
- Mushroom and Herb Enhancement: Add mushrooms and garlic to the skillet, cooking until mushrooms release moisture and develop a golden color. Incorporate fresh herbs during this stage for deeper flavor infusion.
- Slow Cooker Liquid Foundation: Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and egg together, creating a rich, creamy base for the dressing.
- Bread and Vegetable Integration: Gently fold dried bread cubes into the liquid mixture, ensuring even coating. Carefully mix in the sautéed vegetable blend, maintaining a light touch to preserve bread texture and prevent compacting.
- Slow Cooking Process: Cover slow cooker and set to high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce to low. Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours without lifting the lid or stirring, allowing flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Final Preparation and Serving: Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The dressing should have a moist yet slightly crisp consistency. Keep warm in slow cooker for up to one hour, garnishing with fresh parsley before serving to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.
Notes
- Vegetable Prep Power: Dice celery and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dressing.
- Moisture Management: Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to release excess liquid, preventing soggy dressing and maintaining a perfect texture.
- Herbal Harmony: Finely chop fresh herbs to maximize their aromatic impact and ensure even seasoning in every bite.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing both food safety and optimal moisture balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg