Lubys Cornbread Dressing Recipe | Savory & Classic
Craving a comforting side dish that tastes just like home? My Luby’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe is the perfect blend of golden cornbread, aromatic herbs, and savoury broth. This Southern favourite is rich, moist, and loaded with flavour, making it the star of any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner table.
Whether you’ve enjoyed Luby’s famous version or are trying it for the first time, this recipe brings that nostalgic cafeteria-style goodness straight to your kitchen. With fluffy cornbread, buttery sautéed vegetables, and plenty of fresh herbs, you’ll have a dish that your family and friends will request year after year.
Cornbread Preparation
A good Southern dressing always starts with homemade cornbread. This step is crucial because the flavour and texture of your cornbread will determine how rich and moist your dressing turns out.
Mixing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal mix, flour, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Melt ½ cup butter in a cast-iron skillet or baking pan. Once melted, pour the cornbread batter into the pan and spread evenly.
Baking the Cornbread
- Bake the cornbread for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cornbread cool slightly, then crumble it into a large bowl.
- Add white breadcrumbs to the cornbread crumbles and set aside.
This creates the perfect base for a flavorful, hearty dressing.
Dressing Mix Preparation
The real magic of cLubyLuby s’s-style cornbread dressing comes from the buttery vegetables and herbs that are folded into the cornbread base.
- In a large skillet, melt the remaining ½ cup butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 6–7 minutes).
- Stir in the fresh sage, parsley, and seasoned pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavours.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding to the cornbread mixture.
Cooking the Vegetables
Combining the Dressing
- Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture into the bowl with the cornbread and breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together four eggs and chicken broth until well combined.
- Gently fold the egg-broth mixture into the cornbread mixture, stirring until everything is moist but not soggy.
At this stage, your kitchen will already smell like the holidays, warm, herby, and irresistible.
Baking the Dressing
Now that the cornbread base and savoury mix are ready, it’s time to bake this Southern classic to golden perfection.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and an 8-inch square pan (this recipe makes enough to fill both).
- Pour the cornbread dressing mixture evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside stays moist and flavorful.
The key here is balance; you want a crisp top layer with a tender, custardy inside that holds its shape without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Luby’s Cornbread Dressing is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other Southern classics. Here are some serving ideas:
- Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve alongside roasted turkey, giblet gravy, and cranberry sauce.
- Sunday Roast: Pair with baked chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes for a comforting family meal.
- Holiday Buffet: Add it to your spread of glazed ham, candied yams, and collard greens.
For garnish, I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or thyme over the top before serving. It adds a colour and a pop of freshness.
Storage Instructions
Keeping It Fresh
Once cooled, store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix.
Freezing for Later
Cornbread dressing also freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and parsley add incredible aroma and flavour. You can also mix in thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
- Quality Broth Matters: A rich, flavorful chicken broth makes the dressing moist and savoury. Homemade broth is best, but a good store-bought version works too.
- Texture Check: The mixture should be moist before baking, but not soupy. If it looks too dry, add a little extra broth.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the dressing up to the baking step a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving.
Lubys Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Luby’s Cornbread Dressing, you don’t need fancy gadgets, but having the right tools makes the process much smoother:- Mixing Bowls – For combining the cornbread, breadcrumbs, eggs, and broth.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Pan – Essential for that golden crust when baking the cornbread.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For mixing without overworking the batter.
- Sauté Pan – To cook down the onions, celery, and herbs in butter.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure proper balance of ingredients.
- Baking Dishes – A 13×9-inch and an 8-inch square pan work perfectly for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Luby’s Cornbread Dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cornbread and dressing mixture a day in advance. Just cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake it fresh the next day for the best flavour.
How do I keep cornbread dressing from being too dry?
The key is using enough chicken broth. The mixture should be moist before baking but not watery. If it looks dry, add an extra ½ cup of broth at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Can I freeze Luby’s Cornbread Dressing?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
What’s the difference between cornbread dressing and stuffing?
The main difference is how it’s cooked. Dressing is baked in a dish, while stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey. Both use similar ingredients, but dressing usually has a fluffier, more casserole-like texture.
Can I use store-bought cornbread instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade cornbread gives the best flavour and texture. If you’re short on time, you can use bakery cornbread to avoid the lovely versions, since this recipe is savoury.
What meat pairs best with cornbread dressing?
Classic pairings include roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. It also goes beautifully with pork chops or even fried chicken for a true Southern feast.
Conclusion
Making Luby’s Cornbread Dressing at home is like bringing a piece of Southern tradition to your table. With its golden cornbread base, buttery vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is the perfect combination of hearty and flavorful. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a holiday essential that ties the whole meal together.
Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cosy Sunday dinner, this dressing will fill your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let this Southern favourite become a family tradition in your home too.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
