Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing typically keeps for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator after it has been prepared. This is due to the variety of ingredients mixed in, such as celery and onions, which can go bad quite rapidly. If you've purchased premade dressing from a store and it's unopened, it can generally last until the 'best by' date printed on the packaging. If you decide to freeze cornbread dressing, it can keep for up to a month with relatively good flavor and texture.

Knowing if your cornbread dressing has gone off can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to cooking. The clear giveaway is if it has a moldy or sour smell. Additionally, if you see strange colors or mold forming, it's a sure sign that it's gone bad. Lastly, a change in texture can also indicate spoilage, like if it's become excessively soggy or dry.

• Always store dressing in an airtight container to protect its freshness and flavor. • If you don't plan on eating it within a week, consider freezing part of the dressing. Before it completely cools, divide it into meal-sized portions and tuck it into freezer-safe bags or containers. • To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can either heat it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave for a faster option. Remember to cover it with foil when reheating in an oven, to avoid drying out the dressing. • Keep it towards the back of the fridge where the temperature is coldest to help extend its life.