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Cornbread Dressing with Roasted Fall Vegetables

This hearty cornbread dressing with roasted autumn vegetables is a wonderful alternative to traditional stuffing. By roasting a colourful medley of carrots, parsnips, and swede alongside earthy chestnut mushrooms, you create a deep, savoury base that perfectly complements the golden cornbread. Infused with aromatic sage, rosemary, and thyme, this dish brings a sophisticated twist to classic comfort food, making it an ideal centerpiece for a seasonal gathering.

Designed as a dairy-free side dish, this recipe is incredibly versatile and works beautifully alongside a roast chicken or as part of a festive spread. The combination of sweet root vegetables and the slightly crumbly texture of the cornbread ensures a satisfying contrast in every bite. It is also a practical choice for entertaining, as the vegetable base can be prepared a day in advance to save time on the morning of your big meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cornbread Dressing with Roasted Fall Vegetables

  • 1 275g bag pearl onions

  • 325g 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices peeled carrots (about 350g )

  • 600ml 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices peeled parsnips (about 350g )

  • 475ml 1/2-inch cubes peeled rutabagas (about 350g )

  • 160ml olive oil, divided

  • 450g crimini (baby bella) mushrooms, stemmed, caps halved

  • 6 large garlic cloves, peeled

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

  • 2 teaspoons dried crushed rosemary

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage

  • 1450ml 1/2-inch cubes Cornbread for Dressing

  • 3 large eggs, beaten to blend

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 350ml low-salt chicken broth

How to make Cornbread Dressing with Roasted Fall Vegetables

Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 218°C. Cook onions in small saucepan of boiling water 2 minutes; drain. Cool slightly; trim and peel. Place onions, carrots, parsnips, and rutabagas in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle 80ml oil over and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Place mushrooms and garlic on another rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with remaining 80ml oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast root vegetables until tender and brown around edges, stirring every 15 minutes, about 1 hour. Roast mushrooms and garlic until tender, stirring once, about 30 minutes. Place root vegetables and mushrooms in large bowl. Place garlic in small bowl; mash with fork until pureed. Add pureed garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage to vegetables; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Vegetable mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cool vegetables, cover, and chill. Bring mixture to room temperature before continuing.

Place cornbread cubes on large rimmed baking sheet. Let bread cubes stand at room temperature to dry slightly, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 191°C. Butter 13x9x2- inch oval baking dish. Add cornbread cubes to vegetables; toss to distribute evenly. Add eggs; toss to coat. Drizzle with melted butter; toss to coat. Add broth and stir to combine (mixture will be very moist). Transfer mixture to prepared dish.

Bake dressing uncovered until lightly browned and crisp around edges, about 45 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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