By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on September 25, 2023 | Last Updated on September 25, 2023
Bill Miller’s Bar-B-Q restaurant has been a Texas favorite for over 60 years. The restaurant features family dishes like their famous cornbread dressing that have stood the test of time.
Now, you can make this delicious dish in your own home with our easy-to-follow procedure. It’s simple to make and you can get that authentic Texas flavor without all the fuss. This dressing is scrumptious – it’s sure to please your guests!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing. We’ll also go over tips and tricks for making the perfect dress every time. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
What is Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing?
Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing is a classic Southern salad dish that combines a rich, creamy surface with a crunchy texture. It’s made by combining crumbled cornbread with sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and seasonings like sage and thyme.
The mixture is then baked until it’s golden brown. This is perfect for pretty much any occasion and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The key to making this delicious is using high-quality ingredients.
Make sure your cornbread is fresh and flavorful, as it will make all the difference in the taste of your final product. As far as the vegetables go, feel free to get creative!
What does it taste like?
Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing is a savory, comforting salad. The cornbread is slightly sweet which helps to balance out the savory flavors from the vegetables and seasonings.
The herbs give this an earthy aroma that will have your mouth watering. The bell peppers add a nice crunchy texture while the celery adds a slight bitterness.
The garlic and onion help to round out the flavor profile. The addition of black pepper adds a subtle heat that ties it all together.
How did I first get introduced to the Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing?
I was first introduced to Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing on a visit to the famous Bill Miller Bar-B-Q restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant has been around since 1959 and I’ve heard great things about their food so I had to experience it for myself.
When I arrived, the smell of smoke and sweet barbecue filled the air. I eagerly perused the menu and found a dish unlike anything I had ever seen before: Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing.
I ordered it immediately, curious to see what this unique dish was all about. When it arrived, I could tell that they had put much care into making it — the cornbread was perfectly cooked and the vegetables were tender.
I savored every bite and knew that I had to learn how to make this at home. After my meal, I asked the wait staff for any tips about making it — luckily they were more than happy to share their secret recipe with me!
Armed with a set of instructions, I was now ready to face the challenge of making this delectable salad.
As I started to prepare the ingredients, I was amazed at how simple and quick it was coming together. I had a delicious batch of Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing ready to be devoured!
I have been making this dish ever since — it has become one of my go-to dishes for any occasion. It’s always a hit, and the memories of my first visit to Bill Miller’s Bar-B-Q restaurant come back every time I have it.
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How to make Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing?
Making Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing is a simple process. All you need is to gather the ingredients & follow the steps in below:
Ingredients
- Chicken broth: This provides the liquid base for the dressing. It adds moisture to the dish.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a key ingredient in this. It’s what gives it that classic Southern flavor!
- Celery: Celery adds crunch and flavor to the dish.
- Butter: Butter helps to bind all the ingredients together while also adding a dose of creaminess.
- Bell pepper: Bell pepper adds flavor, texture, and color to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic provides an intense but pleasant flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Onion: Onions are a staple in any savory dish and bring a unique sweetness to this dish.
- Thyme: The thyme adds subtle flavor and aroma that complements the other ingredients nicely.
- Black pepper: Black pepper brings out all of the flavors of the dressing, adding some extra heat if desired.
- Sage: Sage adds an herbal note to the dish and a little bit of spice.
- Salt: Salt is essential in any savory dish. It enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and helps balance out the sweetness of the cornbread.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Crumble the cornbread into a large bowl.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, celery, bell pepper, onion, butter, garlic, thyme, sage, black pepper, and salt. Mix until combined.
Step 4
Pour the vegetable and chicken mixture into the bowl with the cornbread and mix until combined.
Step 5
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking pan.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Tips
- If you don’t have time to make homemade cornbread, you can use store-bought cornbread crumbs or mix.
- If you’re using store-bought crumbs, you may need to add a bit more butter or oil to the mix in order to get the desired texture.
- Feel free to adjust the levels of salt and pepper depending on your tastes.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers over the top of the salad before baking.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing?
Here are some ideas of what to serve with Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing:
- A green vegetable such as steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- A side of mashed potatoes or creamy macaroni and cheese.
- Roasted chicken or pork chops for a heartier meal.
- Cranberry sauce for a sweet accompaniment.
How to store leftover Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing?
Leftover Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you are ready to serve it, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
If you’d like to store your dressing for longer, it is best to freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it as desired.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely consume Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing. While some of the ingredients may carry a risk for pregnant women (such as raw eggs and garlic), the risks are minimal when cooked.
Pregnant women should always make sure that it is fully cooked before consuming it to reduce any potential risk.
It is also important to note that pregnant women should monitor their sodium intake when consuming foods like Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing, as high levels of sodium can lead to water retention and other unpleasant side effects.
In general, this dish is a great option for pregnant women looking for an easy and delicious meal. It usually contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help a pregnant woman get the necessary nutrients during pregnancy.
Bill Miller Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- a bowl
- Baking pan, etc
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rich and nourishing low-sodium chicken broth a golden elixir
- 4 cups of artisanal cornbread crumbled with care
- 1/3 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper the dark symphony of spice
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage the fragrant herb of wisdom
- 1/2 cup of crisp celery finely chopped for a delightful crunch
- Salt to taste a pinch of oceanic perfection
- 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter a velvety drizzle from pasture-fed cows
- 1/2 cup of vibrant green bell pepper diced into bite-sized gems
- 2 minced garlic cloves the aromatic dance in this culinary creation
- 1/2 cup of onion finely diced, a sweet and savory addition
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves the herbaceous note in this symphony of flavors
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Crumble the cornbread into a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth with celery, bell pepper, onion, butter, garlic, thyme, sage, black pepper and salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Pour the vegetable and chicken mixture into the bowl containing the cornbread, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer this mix to a greased 9×13 baking pan.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden on top.
Notes
- If you don’t have time to make homemade cornbread, you can use store-bought cornbread crumbs or mix.
- If you’re using store-bought crumbs, you may need to add a bit more butter or oil to the mix in order to get the desired texture.
- Feel free to adjust the levels of salt and pepper depending on your tastes.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers over the top of the salad before baking.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else for a vegan version?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth in order to make a vegan version of this dish. You can also omit any animal products such as bacon or sausage for a totally vegan-friendly version.
Can I use a different type of cornbread for this?
Yes, you can use any kind of pre-baked cornbread that you prefer. You can also make your own homemade cornbread to add even more taste and texture to the dish.
Do I have to use butter in this?
No, you do not have to use butter in this. You can substitute it with a vegan-friendly alternative such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for checking out this guide on how to make Bill Miller’s Cornbread Dressing. I hope you try it and love it as much as we do.
Please share this article with your family and friends who might be interested in trying this incredible cornbread dressing. Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
