Irresistible Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing!

This Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing is a family-favorite Thanksgiving side dish that combines homemade cornbread with yellow squash for the perfect moist-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-edges dressing—a simple, crowd-pleasing twist on traditional cornbread dressing that can easily be made gluten-free.

If you’re searching for the ultimate Thanksgiving dressing, look no further! This Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing is the star of our holiday table, and it just might steal the show at yours, too. Over the years, this recipe has become a family favorite.

The best part? Even those who aren’t huge fans of yellow squash dig in and love it—most don’t even realize it’s in there! (A little secret: chop that squash up nice and small, and it melts right into the mix, adding that perfect touch of flavor and texture.) It’s a cozy, comforting dish that just says “home,” and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it with your loved ones, too!

Why You’ll Love this Squash Dressing Recipe

This isn’t just another Thanksgiving dressing recipe – it’s a Southern masterpiece that holds a permanent spot on our family’s holiday table! It’s warm, hearty, and packed with the kind of down-home flavors that scream comfort food. This recipe brings together moist cornbread, tender squash, and savory spices, creating a dish that’s both cozy and unforgettable.

What I love most is how it sneaks in the subtle sweetness of yellow squash and those crisp edges and soft center are happy dance-worthy! This dressing doesn’t just sit quietly at the table; it adds a little Southern charm and warmth to every holiday meal. I think you’ll love it as much as we do!

Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing

You don’t need many ingredients to make squash dressing.

• Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash from the grocery store. I’ve not tried canned squash but if you do let me know how it turns out. My mother-in-law puts yellow squash up every year from the garden and uses it in this recipe.
• Cornbread: Get my Southern Cornbread Recipe here. It’s easy and delish!
• Cream of chicken soup: If you want to make this recipe gluten-free make sure to purchase gluten free cream of chicken.
• Butter: I only use real butter but you could use margarine I beleive real butter gives it a richer more delectable flavor.
• Onion
• Sage
• Black pepper

How to Make Cornbread Squash Dressing

First Things First – Let’s Talk Cornbread!

Before we start making this amazing dressing, y’all, we need to start with good cornbread as our base. And not just any cornbread – we’re talking proper Southern cornbread! If you don’t have a tried-and-true family recipe, I’d love to share mine with you. My Southern Cornbread recipe is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and makes the perfect foundation for this dressing. Trust me, taking the time to make homemade cornbread rather than using store-bought makes all the difference in the world!

Quick Tip: You can make your cornbread a day ahead – it actually works better when it’s had time to dry out just a bit!

Get the recipe for my Southern Cornbread!

1. Prepare the Squash (8-10 minutes)

Yellow squash is our secret weapon here! Chop it into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch). Place them in a pot with just enough water to cover. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 5-7 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander, then gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. 

2. Preheat and Prep (2 minutes)

Position your oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F. Generously grease your 9×13 (or 9×9) baking dish or a No. 10 cast iron skillet. I used my Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet. I love it!!!

Pro tip: Cast iron gives you those irresistibly crispy edges that everyone fights over!

3. Sauté the Onions and Celery (5-7 minutes)

Melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Add the chopped onions and celery and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they become slightly golden and fill your kitchen with that wonderful, sweet aroma. 

4. Combine the Magic (5 minutes)

In a large mixing bowl, combine your:

• Drained cooked squash
• Crumbled cornbread (still slightly warm or room temperature works best)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sautéed onions with all that flavorful butter
• Sage (rub it between your palms first to release the oils)
• Black pepper, to taste

Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. Your mixture should be moist but still have some texture from the cornbread.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection (30 minutes)

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish or iron skillet, gently smoothing the top with a spatula. Don’t pack it down – we want some nooks and crannies for those crispy edges to form! Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells amazing and the top springs back slightly when touched.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread Squash Dressing

1. Use Homemade Cornbread for Extra Flavor
   If you have a little extra time, making homemade cornbread really takes this dish to the next level. The fresh, slightly sweet flavor of homemade cornbread adds a wonderful depth to the dressing. Get my recipe here!
2. Chop the Squash Small
   For the best texture, chop your squash into small, uniform pieces. This way, it melts right into the dish, adding moisture and flavor without standing out. Plus, even picky eaters won’t know it’s there!
3. Drain the Squash Well
   After cooking the squash, make sure to drain it thoroughly. Excess moisture can make your dressing too soft.
4. Sauté Onions and Celery for Extra Flavor: Sautéing both onions and celery in butter until tender brings a wonderful depth of flavor to your dressing. This simple step adds a savory richness and a little crunch from the celery, making each bite even better.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
   Once the dressing comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice, so each piece holds together perfectly. Although, if you are like me you have so much piled on your plate you don’t mind if it’s holding together perfectly or not!
6. For Extra Crisp Edges, Use a Cast Iron Skillet
   If you love crispy edges, bake your dressing in a cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and gives you those golden, crispy bits around the edges that everyone loves.

Variations for Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing

1. Make It Gluten-Free
   If you’re looking to keep this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version. You’ll get all the same creamy goodness without the gluten!
2. Try Cream of Mushroom Soup
   For a vegetarian option or a flavor twist, you can easily substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken. It adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cornbread and squash.
3. Add Extra Herbs
   Love a little extra flavor? Feel free to add a pinch of thyme or rosemary along with the sage. These herbs bring out the cozy, savory taste that makes this dish so special.

Here’s an enhanced version of the serving suggestions that adds more value and specific pairings:

Y’all, Let’s Talk About Serving This Squash Dressing!

You know what I love most about sharing family recipes? It’s seeing everyone gather around the table, eyes lighting up when they spot their favorite dish. And this squash dressing? Oh my goodness, it’s just one of those sides that makes everything feel a little more special!

I’m excited to share some of my favorite ways to serve this family favorite! I’ve got you covered with all sorts of serving ideas that’ll make your heart (and stomach!) happy.

Perfect Holiday Pairings

This Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing is a star player on any holiday table! It pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted Turkey and Classic Gravy
• Honey-Glazed Ham
• Smoked Turkey Breast
• Deep-Fried Turkey

Favorite Side Dish Combinations

Create the perfect plate by serving alongside:

• Classic Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce
• Buttery Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Southern-Style Collard Greens

Beyond the Holidays

Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this versatile dressing! It’s perfect for:

• Sunday Family Dinners with Roast Chicken
• Potluck Gatherings (it travels well!)
• Weeknight Meals with Pork Chops
• Church Suppers and Community Events

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore that crispy top
• Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and bake just before serving
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months

Final Thoughts

Gosh, I sure hope you give this Southern Cornbread Squash Dressing a try! It is truly a taste of tradition, bringing comfort and flavor to any holiday table. It’s simple and delicious and goes great for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday gathering, this squash dressing has a way of making any meal feel a little extra special. I hope it brings the same warmth and joy to your table as it does to ours!

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few other Southern and holiday favorites to try:

• Fresh Apple Cake – A deliciously moist cake packed with fresh apple flavor, perfect for dessert or a holiday treat.
• Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits – Soft, flaky, and just right for sopping up all those comforting flavors.
• Southern Cornbread – Classic, hearty, and a wonderful side dish on its own or as a base for this dressing.
• Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie – Rich, creamy, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth at the table.

These recipes bring all the cozy flavors of a Southern holiday meal. Enjoy exploring each one and happy cooking!