The Ultimate Seafood Dressing

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the South with this exceptional Seafood Dressing recipe. A beloved classic, this dish transforms traditional Southern cornbread dressing into a luxurious seafood delight, perfect for any special occasion. Combining the robust flavors of the Louisiana Holy Trinity – crisp celery, vibrant green peppers, and pungent onion – with succulent shrimp, delicate crab, and even lavish lobster, this dressing is a true masterpiece of soul food cuisine. Whether gracing your Thanksgiving table, a festive holiday gathering, or a comforting family dinner, its rich taste and satisfying texture promise to be an unforgettable experience.

Having grown up immersed in the comforting aroma of cornbread dressing, I’ve had the joy of refining this recipe over many years. My version, deeply rooted in my Southern Louisiana heritage, infuses this classic with an irresistible seafood twist and a symphony of seasonings that truly sing. With nearly a decade of recipe creation and sharing under my belt, I can confidently say this dressing hits all the right notes. It’s wonderfully buttery, bursting with complex flavors, and generously packed with real crab and shrimp. Countless tests have ensured its perfect texture: consistently moist without ever being soggy – a hallmark of truly great dressing.

If you’re a fan of my Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing with Chicken, prepare to be captivated by this seafood iteration. It takes the familiar comfort of that soulful dish and elevates it, swapping out the traditional chicken for an opulent blend of seafood, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a taste of the ocean.

What’s the Difference Between Dressing and Stuffing?

While often used interchangeably, the terms “dressing” and “stuffing” actually denote distinct culinary practices, especially within Southern cuisine. The most precise definition of stuffing refers to a mixture cooked inside a bird, such as a turkey, during roasting. In contrast, dressing is typically baked in a separate casserole dish. However, the true regional distinction lies more profoundly in the base ingredients and texture.

Southern dressing, the star of this recipe, is characteristically made using a cornbread base, offering a unique crumbly yet moist texture and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor. Northern-style stuffing, on the other hand, usually features cubes of dried bread, which can often result in a drier, more rigid consistency. Our Seafood Dressing strikes a delightful balance, aiming for a moist interior that is rich and tender, without ever venturing into the territory of being waterlogged or overly dense. It’s about achieving that coveted perfect “middle ground” – a texture that is neither excessively dry nor overly wet, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Dressing

This isn’t just another dressing recipe; it’s an experience. You’ll adore this Seafood Cornbread Dressing for its:

• **Unmatched Flavor Profile:** A harmonious blend of savory cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and succulent seafood, all brought together with classic Southern seasonings.
• **Perfectly Balanced Texture:** Moist and tender on the inside with a delightful golden crust, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• **Southern Comfort:** It embodies the warmth and tradition of soul food, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings and festive celebrations.
• **Versatility:** While shrimp and crab are featured, it’s highly adaptable to include your favorite seafood, from lobster to oysters.
• **Make-Ahead Convenience:** Prepare it in advance to simplify your holiday cooking or weeknight meal prep, allowing flavors to deepen.

Essential Seafood Dressing Ingredients

Crafting this incredible seafood dressing relies on a combination of pantry staples and fresh, flavorful additions. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the depth and character of this iconic Southern dish:

• Cooked/Day-Old Cornbread: The foundational element, providing structure and that characteristic Southern flavor. Day-old or dried cornbread is essential for the right consistency.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatic vegetables, imparting a subtle richness.
• The Holy Trinity (Onions, Celery, Green Peppers): The aromatic backbone of countless Louisiana and Southern dishes, these vegetables build a deep, savory base.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the other savory ingredients.
• Ground Sage: A classic dressing herb, sage provides an earthy, slightly peppery warmth that is indispensable.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic seafood blend introduces a complex, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor, perfectly enhancing the shrimp and crab.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes to the creamy, cohesive texture and adds a layer of rich, savory umami.
• Broth (Seafood, Chicken, or Vegetable): Provides the necessary liquid to bind the ingredients and ensures a moist, flavorful dressing.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the dressing set and achieve a custardy texture when baked.
• Lump Crab Meat: Adds delicate sweetness and a luxurious texture.
• Raw Shrimp: Plump and tender, shrimp provides another layer of delicious seafood flavor and a satisfying bite.

Spices and Flavor Profile: The Heart of Southern Cuisine

The soul of this Seafood Dressing truly lies in its aromatic foundation and carefully selected spices. We begin with the Louisiana Holy Trinity: finely chopped white onion, vibrant green bell peppers, and crisp celery. This trio isn’t just a collection of vegetables; it’s a culinary cornerstone, providing a fragrant and savory depth that is signature to countless Southern and Cajun dishes. Sautéing these until tender and translucent creates a wonderfully aromatic base that permeates the entire dressing.

Beyond the Trinity, the true stars of the seasoning show are sage and a robust seafood blend like Old Bay. Sage, whether dried or fresh, imparts a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery note that is quintessential to traditional dressing recipes. Its comforting aroma instantly evokes images of holiday meals. Old Bay seasoning, a beloved staple in many Southern kitchens, delivers a complex medley of spices, including celery salt, black pepper, paprika, and more. It perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the seafood, adding a zesty kick and a layer of savory richness without overpowering the natural flavors of the crab and shrimp. Together, these elements create a dressing that is both deeply traditional and wonderfully unique.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Seafood Dressing

Crafting this flavorful Seafood Dressing is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures a perfectly moist and delicious result. For detailed measurements and a complete recipe card, please refer to the section below.

1. Prepare Your Cornbread: Start with day-old or thoroughly dried cornbread. This is crucial for preventing a soggy dressing. Crumble it into a large mixing bowl, ensuring there are no large lumps. The texture should be similar to coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your finely chopped celery, onions, green peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté these “Holy Trinity” vegetables until the onions are translucent, the vegetables are tender, and the kitchen is filled with their fragrant aroma. This step builds the foundational flavor of your dressing.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled cornbread. Sprinkle in the ground sage, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a large spoon or your hands, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed and the vegetables are well incorporated into the cornbread.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is a critical step! Before adding any wet ingredients like eggs or broth, taste a small amount of the seasoned cornbread mixture. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your preference. This ensures the final dish is perfectly seasoned.
5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten eggs and cream of chicken soup to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
6. Achieve the Right Consistency: Gradually pour in the broth, starting with a smaller amount and adding more as needed. Mix continuously until the dressing reaches a thick, oatmeal-like consistency. It should be moist but not runny or soupy. The cornbread should absorb the liquid without becoming oversaturated.
7. Layer the Dressing: Spread half of the prepared dressing mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. This forms the base layer.
8. Add the Seafood: Evenly distribute the raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) and lump crab meat over the first layer of dressing. This ensures every serving gets a generous portion of seafood.
9. Top with Remaining Dressing: Carefully spoon the remaining dressing mixture over the seafood layer, spreading it gently to cover the shrimp and crab.
10. Bake to Perfection: Bake the dressing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a moister dressing, you can cover it loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.

Seafood Cornbread Dressing

By: Brandi Crawford

This Seafood Dressing is a classic Southern side dish recipe made with cornbread and the Louisiana Holy Trinity vegetables including celery, green peppers, and onion. Load this with shrimp, crab, and even lobster! This is perfect for soul food dinners, Thanksgiving, or any gathering.

Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 votes.

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Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Louisiana, Southern

Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 289 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

• Cooked/Day Old Cornbread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely chopped green peppers
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 teaspoons ground sage (Adjust to taste. 5 leaves if using fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or any seafood seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 14 oz cream of chicken soup
• 2 – 2 ½ cups broth (Any broth is fine including vegetable broth)
• 2 eggs (Beaten)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 1 pound raw shrimp (Peeled and deveined)

Instructions

1. You can get the recipe for homemade cornbread here.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil, finely chopped celery, onions, minced garlic, and green peppers.
4. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, and the vegetables are soft. Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
5. Place the day-old cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or your hands, thoroughly break down the cornbread until it is completely crumbled and no large pieces remain.
6. Add the cooled sautéed vegetables, ground sage, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crumbled cornbread. Mix everything together very well. Stop here to taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as necessary to suit your preference before adding any wet binders.
7. Pour in the beaten eggs and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well combined.
8. Slowly add the chicken broth. Begin with about 2 cups of broth, stirring thoroughly until the dressing mixture thickens to a consistency similar to thick oatmeal. Add additional broth, up to ½ cup more, if needed to achieve the desired moistness.
9. Spread half of the prepared dressing mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
10. Arrange the shrimp and crab meat evenly over this first layer of dressing.
11. Top the seafood layer with the remaining dressing mixture, spreading it out to completely cover the shrimp and crab.
12. Bake the dressing uncovered for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 C), or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

Cornbread Type: If using a boxed cornbread mix, like Jiffy, you’ll typically need about 2 cups, which is approximately 16-17 ounces of prepared and crumbled cornbread.

Moisture Level: For those who prefer a moister dressing, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the initial baking time (e.g., the first 30 minutes). If you enjoy a crispier, drier top, bake it uncovered for the entire duration.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: My Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is a fantastic option for this dish. Remember that 14 oz of soup is equivalent to approximately 1 ¾ cups.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 289 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Make-Ahead Tips for Seafood Dressing

Preparing this Seafood Dressing in advance is a fantastic way to streamline your meal preparation, especially during busy holidays or when entertaining. You can assemble the entire dish the night before you plan to bake it. Simply follow all the mixing and layering steps, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dressing from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the dish from cracking due to temperature shock. Then, bake as directed until golden brown and cooked through.

Storage and Freezing Guide

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Seafood Dressing for days to come. Once cooled, transfer any leftover dressing to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for enjoying as easy leftovers throughout the week.

How to Freeze Seafood Dressing

For longer storage, this seafood dressing freezes exceptionally well. Allow the cooked dressing to cool completely. Then, transfer portions into freezer-safe, sealable bags or airtight containers. Ensure all containers are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. The dressing can be frozen for up to several months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost the frozen dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently in the oven at a moderate temperature (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until it is heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Cornbread Dressing

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

This rich Seafood Dressing is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary Southern-inspired side dishes. Consider serving it alongside:

• Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A sweet and tender classic that offers a delightful contrast.
• Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: Creamy, sweet, and topped with marshmallows or pecans for extra indulgence.
• Homemade Creamed Corn: Sweet corn in a rich, creamy sauce.
• Southern Mustard Greens: Braised greens with a smoky, savory depth.
• Fried Cabbage: Simple yet incredibly flavorful, with a tender-crisp texture.
• Okra and Tomatoes: A vibrant, tangy, and comforting vegetable stew.
• Southern Green Beans: Slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon for incredible flavor.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: For an extra luxurious and cheesy experience.
• Seafood Mac and Cheese: A delightful pairing, echoing the seafood theme with cheesy goodness.

Main Course Suggestions

While the Seafood Dressing is hearty enough to be a meal itself, it also serves as an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main dishes, particularly those found in traditional Southern and holiday feasts:

• Baked Turkey Wings: Tender and juicy, a perfect poultry partner.
• Smothered Turkey Wings: Braised in a rich gravy, they offer ultimate comfort.
• Cajun Roasted Turkey: A flavorful and festive centerpiece, especially for holidays.
• Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple: Sweet and savory, a classic holiday ham.
• Baked Crab Legs: For an all-out seafood feast, this pairing is exceptional.
• Air Fryer Turkey Wings: Crispy on the outside, tender inside, a quick and delicious option.

For more inspiration, explore a full listing of Soul Food Thanksgiving Recipes and discover the Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.