Easy Old Fashioned Cornbread Squash Dressing Recipe

Hey Y’all! If there’s one thing we Southerners know how to do, it’s turn simple garden vegetables and a skillet of cornbread into a casserole dish that’ll make your heart sing. This old fashioned Cornbread Squash Dressing recipe is just that — easy, comforting, and filled with all the love of Sunday suppers and holiday tables gone by.

Made with tender yellow squash, aromatic veggies, and good ole cornbread, this casserole bakes up golden and hearty with that unmistakable Southern flavor we all crave. It’s the kind of dish your grandma probably made without even needing a recipe card — just a pinch of this, a handful of that, and plenty of love stirred in.

I do have to point out that this dish is great for family meals and holidays, but it is not the same flavor profiles as a classic Southern cornbread dressing. This is something different and just as wonderful to pair with baked chicken or turkey.

So, whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken or pork roast for a weeknight supper or carving up a big  turkey at Thanksgiving, this squash dressing will fit right in and have folks coming back for seconds.

Let’s head into my kitchen so I can share all the easy tips for preparing this delicious squash dressing casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Squash Dressing

• Classic Southern Comfort – Old fashioned dressing made with cornbread and garden-fresh yellow squash.
• Perfect Side Dish – Pairs beautifully with holiday roasts, fried chicken, or weeknight suppers.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients – Everyday pantry staples and fresh vegetables come together easily.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped ahead for stress-free holidays or family gatherings.
• Family Favorite – A nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of grandma’s cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need to make the easy old fashioned cornbread squash dressing recipe:

• Cornbread – You’ll need one cake of cornbread, baked in your favorite skillet. 
• Yellow Summer Squash
• Sweet Onion
• Bell Pepper – any color will do, I used red because that is what I had on hand.
• Celery
• Butter
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• Milk
• Egg
• Kosher Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper

Kitchen Tools Needed

Tips for the Best Squash Dressing

• Drain the squash well – After sautéing, make sure to drain off any excess liquid so your dressing doesn’t turn out soggy. A lot of folks like to boil the squash, but it is so full of water anyways and I find sautéing to be so much better to get rid of some of that excess water. 
• Use day-old cornbread – Slightly dried-out cornbread soaks up the flavors better and gives the dressing the perfect texture. If you don’t have time to make the cornbread ahead, fresh baked will work nicely. 
• Season to taste – Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; adjust to your family’s liking for that just-right Southern flavor.
• Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake fresh before serving to save time on busy holidays or big family gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Begin by adding some butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion, celery and bell pepper and sauté until tender.

While the aromatic veggies do their thing, crumble your cake of cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Once the veggies are tender, add them to the mixing bowl with the cornbread. Set aside until needed.

Next, add a little more butter to the skillet and add the sliced yellow squash. Sauté until fork tender. Then add the squash to the cornbread mixture.

The next step is to add the remaining ingredients to your mixing bowl with the cornbread mixture. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, beaten egg, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to the bowl.

Use a spatula to stir to combine everything together. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. 

 

Lightly spray a 9X12, or similar, baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the squash dressing mixture to the prepared casserole dish, then place it into the preheated oven.

Bake until golden brown.

Once done, use pot holders to carefully remove the squash dressing from the oven and allow it to rest a few minutes to cool before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cornbread instead of homemade?
   Absolutely! While homemade cornbread gives this dressing that true old-fashioned flavor, a store-bought mix (like Jiffy) or pre-baked cornbread from the store bakery will work just fine. Just be sure it’s not too sweet so the flavors stay balanced.
2. Can squash dressing be made ahead of time?
   Yes, ma’am! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it fresh until golden and heated through. Perfect for holidays when the oven is working overtime.
3. What type of squash works best for this recipe?
   Traditional Southern squash dressing calls for yellow summer squash, but you can also use zucchini or a mix of both if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still be delicious!

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Squash Dressing – Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a rich, cheesy twist.
• Bacon Lovers’ Version – Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with squash and cornbread.
• Kick It Up a Notch – Mix in a little diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of Southern heat.
• Chicken & Squash Dressing – Fold in shredded cooked chicken to turn this into a hearty main dish casserole.
• Corny Goodness – Add a handful of fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.

If you love yellow squash recipes, check out my delicious squash fritters

What to serve with Squash Dressing

Squash Dressing makes a wonderful Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and fixin’s. Here are some tasty ideas:

1. Roast Chicken or Turkey – Classic holiday favorites that pair perfectly with any version of cornbread dressing.
2. Country Style Meatloaf – A hearty, homestyle dinner combination.
3. Southern Fried Chicken – a side of dressing with fried chicken is love on a plate.
4. Glazed Ham – The sweet and savory flavors are a match made in heaven.
5. Fried Catfish or Baked Fish – A true Southern table spread.
6. Collard Greens or Turnip Greens – Balance out the richness with some slow-simmered greens.
7. Pinto Beans (aka soup beans) or Butter Beans – Old fashioned sides that make the meal complete.
8. Mashed Potatoes or Potato Salad – Another comforting starch that always pleases.

Of course I’d be happy as can be with just a serving of that delicious squash dressing as my meal itself! So good y’all!

Printable Recipe Card

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Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Allow the dressing to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap well in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheat: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved in 30-second intervals until hot.

More Southern Side Dishes You’ll Love

Check all of my favorite dressing and stuffing recipes that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

• Sage Sausage Cranberry Pecan Cornbread Dressing Recipe
• Easy Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing Recipe
• Smoked Oyster Seafood Dressing
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Cornbread Dressing
• Aunt Betty’s Famous Ham Dressing
• Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing for Holidays
• Sausage and Pear Stuffing

Easy Old Fashioned Cornbread Squash Dressing Recipe

Well friends, there you have it — a good old fashioned Cornbread Squash Dressing just like Grandma used to make. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and it’s one of those recipes that just feels like home with every bite.

I had intended to share this recipe several weeks ago while gardening season was still going strong, but life y’all! Besides, we can all find yellow squash at our favorite food stores these days if our growing season is over.

So, whether you’re bringing cornbread squash dressing to the holiday table or serving it on a plain ole Tuesday night, this dish is sure to make bellies happy and hearts full. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and share it with the folks you love most.

Until next time, keep your kitchens warm and your plates full of Southern goodness.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, y’all!

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