Easy Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe for the Holidays

Cornbread dressing is a timeless comfort food and a staple side dish during the holidays. This Classic Cornbread Dressing keeps the nostalgic flavors alive while offering a lighter version that fits into your health goals. With just the right blend of herbs, veggies, and cornbread, this dish is moist, savory, and the perfect complement to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar substitute (e.g., Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce

For the Dressing

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread (prepared using the recipe above)
• 2 slices whole wheat bread (toasted and crumbled)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or light butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup egg whites (or 1 whole egg)

Instructions

Prepare the Cornbread

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar substitute.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, egg, and applesauce.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cornbread cool completely, then crumble it into a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Dressing

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil or light butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl of crumbled cornbread. Stir in the crumbled wheat bread.
4. Add the garlic powder, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper to the mixture. Toss to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and egg whites. Gradually pour this over the cornbread mixture, stirring gently to moisten everything evenly.

Bake the Dressing

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW Points: ~4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Lighter Comfort Food: Enjoy the classic flavors of cornbread dressing without overindulging.
2. Nutrient-Rich: By using whole wheat bread and adding plenty of veggies, this dish packs in extra fiber and nutrients.
3. Customizable: Feel free to add mushrooms, diced apples, or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Prepare the cornbread and crumble it the day before to save time.
• Moisture Control: Adjust the amount of broth to ensure the dressing isn’t too dry or too soggy.
• Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, use fresh sage and thyme instead of dried.

Serving Suggestions

This Weight Watchers Classic Cornbread Dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or baked tofu. Add a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced holiday meal.

This Classic Cornbread Dressing is a lighter twist on a beloved dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or as part of your holiday table, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your healthy cooking repertoire!