Old Fashioned Seafood Dressing Recipe (Classic Southern Style)
This old fashioned seafood dressing recipe combines cornbread, shrimp, and crab for a rich, buttery Southern classic perfect for holidays and family
Ingredients
- Fresh shrimp peeled and chopped
- Lump crab meat
- Day-old cornbread
- Celery and onion
- Unsalted butter
- Richness without overpowering salt levels.
- Seafood stock or chicken broth
- Eggs large, beaten
- Fresh parsley and sage
- Salt black pepper, a pinch of cayenne
Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
- Start with a wide, heavy skillet. Melt the butter slowly — let it foam, not brown. Add the diced onion and celery and cook over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. When the vegetables soften, add minced garlic for the final minute.
2. Cook the Seafood Gently
- Add chopped shrimp directly into the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer and cook just until pink — about two to three minutes. Timing matters.Remove the pan from heat immediately. Residual warmth continues cooking the shrimp. Fold in lump crab carefully.
3. Combine the Bread and Broth
- Place crumbled cornbread in a large mixing bowl. Warm your seafood stock slightly before pouring — cold liquid doesn’t absorb evenly. Pour gradually. Stir gently.
4. Bring Everything Together
- Add the seafood mixture into the bowl. Fold, don’t stir aggressively. Add beaten eggs, chopped parsley, sage, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne.Transfer into a buttered baking dish and smooth the top lightly. Don’t compress it
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 350°F until golden and lightly crisp on top — about 45 to 50 minutes.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320–350 kcal
- Protein: 18–22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15–18g
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Present from seafood
- Sodium: Moderate (varies by stock used)