Nothing says holiday like the aroma of freshly-baked cornbread dressing.

Make a batch of your favorite cornbread, or use our recipe forCornbread Crumblesor heavenlyCornbread Stuffing-Stuffed Pork Chops.

But don’t let us tell you that cornbread dressing is a Thanksgiving-only dish.

Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing in casserole dish to serve

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Perhaps that’s why Southerners came to prefer the cornbread dressing over bread stuffing anyway.

you’re free to make the cornbread ahead of time.

In fact, drier cornbread is great for this recipe.

Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing cooking the vegetables

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The rest comes together quickly and bakes while you’re working on other sides.

Here’s a brief outline of how cornbread dressing is made.

The full recipe is further below with step-by-step instructions.

Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing stirring together cornbread crumbles and breadcrumbs

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What’s the Difference Between Dressing and Stuffing?

Dressing is a Southern thing.

As soon as it’s set and golden brown, the texture will be perfect.

Southern Living Cornbread Dressing stirred together in bowl

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Then, wrap the baking dishes with storage wrap, and keep in the fridge overnight.

But it will still be plenty delicious.

Let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, before you bake it according to directions.

Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing in casserole dishes

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Thaw overnight in the fridge, and let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.

This recipe makes two pans of dressing.

Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing in casserole dishes after baking

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Unless you have a big crowd at your dinner table, odds are you’ll have some leftovers.

Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish and an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Stir in sage, and saute 1 minute.

Mix cornbread dressing:

Stir togetherCornbread Crumblesand breadcrumbs in a large bowl.

Stir in eggs, chicken broth, pepper, and celery mixture, stirring until blended.

Bake dressing:

Bake at 400F for 45 to 55 minutes or until set and golden brown.

Just ensure you bake enough for 12 cups of cornbread crumbles.