This isn’t just another side dish, it’s the heart of the holiday table. We’re talking about a creation that truly earns its place next to the turkey, a dish that makes everyone a little more thankful.

It’s a beautiful symphony of textures and tastes, you see. Savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs all nestled in a base of golden, buttery cornbread.

And the best part, honestly, is how it fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. It’s the smell of celebration, of family, and of very, very good things to come.

Why This Dressing Steals the Show

What makes this particular recipe so special is its brilliant balance. It masterfully walks the line between hearty comfort food and something with a touch of elegant, festive flair.

The savory depth from the sausage and herbs doesn’t fight with the sweet, chewy cranberries—they embrace. Each bite is a little different from the last, a delightful surprise that keeps you coming back for more.

It’s also incredibly forgiving for a home cook. You can do most of the work the day before, which is an absolute lifesaver when you’re coordinating a big feast. This little trick takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy the day, too.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this masterpiece. Using high-quality components, especially the broth and cornbread, really does make a world of difference in the final flavor.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (Plus a little more for greasing the dish)
• 8 cups cornbread (day old is best)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth

How to make Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Cranberries?

Preparing Your Cornbread Base

Start with your cornbread, and if you can, make it a day ahead. Letting it sit out, uncovered, allows it to dry out just enough, which is the secret to the perfect texture.

When you’re ready to begin, crumble all of that glorious cornbread into a very large mixing bowl. You want big, generous chunks, not fine crumbs, for the best final result.

Cooking the Sausage and Aromatics

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through.

Drain any excess grease and transfer that savory sausage right into the bowl with your cornbread. Don’t wipe the skillet clean just yet—a little of that sausage flavor is a good thing.

Sautéing the Onion and Celery

In that same skillet, melt the ¾ cup of butter. Then, add your chopped onion and celery, and cook them until they become soft and just start to turn a lovely golden color.

This process, which should take about 12 minutes, is about more than just softening vegetables. You’re building a foundation of sweet, caramelized flavor that will permeate the entire dressing.

Combining the Main Ingredients

Scrape the buttery onions and celery into the bowl with the cornbread and sausage. Now, for the fresh herbs and fruit—gently fold in the parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and those vibrant dried cranberries.

The scent that rises up at this point is simply divine. It’s the smell of the holidays, right there in your kitchen.

Binding the Dressing Together

Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper over the mixture. Then, crack in the two large eggs. These are your magical binders, holding everything together in perfect, sliceable harmony.

Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything thoroughly, but gently. You want to ensure the eggs are evenly distributed without turning the cornbread into mush.

Transferring to the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish (or any 3-quart dish) with a bit of extra softened butter. This simple step guarantees a beautifully golden, crispy edge that everyone will fight over.

Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out into a fairly even layer. Don’t pack it down too firmly—you want those nooks and crannies for the broth to settle into.

The All-Important Broth Addition

Slowly pour the chicken broth over the entire surface of the dressing. Now, here’s the pro tip: use the “squish” test.

Press down on the dressing with your hands. It should feel moist and a little squishy, but it should not be swimming in a pool of liquid. For this recipe, about 3 cups is usually just right.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’re waiting for that perfect moment when the top is a gorgeous, crispy golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.

When you pull it out, let it rest for just 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the structure to set, making it easier to scoop out those perfect, beautiful portions.

Can You Make This Dressing Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, and it’s a brilliant strategy for stress-free entertaining. You can assemble the entire dish, right up to the point before you add the broth and bake it.

Simply cover the unbaked dressing tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a full day. When you’re ready, let it sit on the counter for an hour or so to take the chill off before adding the broth and baking.

The baking time might need a few extra minutes since you’re starting from a cold state. Just keep an eye on it until it achieves that perfect, golden-brown top we all love.

Tips

For the ultimate cornbread, consider making it from scratch. The flavor is incomparable, and it’s simpler than you might think. A day-old, slightly stale cornbread is the true secret to a dressing that soaks up the broth without becoming soggy.

When using fresh herbs, don’t be shy. They provide a brightness that dried herbs simply can’t match. Chop them just before you’re ready to use them to lock in their vibrant, aromatic oils.

Resist the urge to stuff this dressing inside the turkey. Baking it separately in a dish is not only safer, but it also gives you that irresistible combination of a moist interior and a wonderfully crispy, crunchy top.

What to Serve With Your Holiday Dressing

This dressing is the ultimate team player on the holiday plate. It shines brightest when paired with classic, roasted turkey and a generous ladle of rich, homemade gravy.

It also stands up beautifully to other hearty sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sweet candied yams, or green bean casserole. The contrasting textures and flavors create the perfect bite, every single time.

For a non-traditional twist, it’s also fantastic alongside a roasted chicken or even pork chops. It brings that holiday comfort to any cozy weeknight dinner, too.

Exploring Flavor Variations

While this recipe is a masterpiece as written, it’s also a wonderful canvas for your own creativity. If you’re using a different type of sausage, like a spicy Italian or a sage-heavy variety, just know it will subtly change the flavor profile in a delicious way.

For a nutty crunch, try folding in a cup of toasted pecans or walnuts when you add the cranberries. You could also swap the cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries for a different kind of sweet-tart note.

If you’re a fan of oysters, a handful of chopped, smoked oysters would add a deep, briny complexity that is truly unforgettable. This dressing is yours to make and remake, becoming a new family favorite each time.