Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a dish that’s not just a side, but a centerpiece of flavor! This Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing is the ultimate comfort food that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). With its perfect blend of savory herbs, buttery goodness, and delightful crunch, this dressing is a nostalgic nod to traditional holiday meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to impressing family and friends. Dive in and discover the secrets to creating a dressing that will become a cherished part of your holiday tradition!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread cubed bread pieces on a large baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for about 24 hours. If short on time, toast bread cubes in the oven at 250°F for 30-45 minutes until slightly crisp.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently mix ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Gradually pour chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The mixture should be moist but not wet.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Choose a hearty bread like sourdough or a rustic country loaf for added flavor and texture. For a unique twist, mix in a few different types of bread!
- Drying the Bread: If you’re short on time, don’t fret! Toasting the bread cubes in the oven at a low temperature helps achieve that perfect crispiness without waiting a full day.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Make sure to sauté your onions and celery until they’re soft and translucent; this step enhances their flavor and ensures they blend seamlessly into the dressing.
- Moisture Control: When adding chicken broth, pour gradually and stir gently. The goal is to moisten the bread without making it soggy—aim for a texture that’s moist but holds its shape.
- Baking Tips: Covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking keeps the dressing moist, while removing it for the last 15 minutes allows for that irresistible golden, crispy top.
- Resting Time: Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes after baking. This not only helps the flavors meld but also makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
