Description
This classic Thanksgiving Turkey Dressing combines toasted bread cubes with a savory mixture of sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with chicken or turkey broth and eggs for moisture and binding, it bakes to a golden, crispy top, making it the perfect comforting side to accompany your holiday turkey.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) day-old bread, cubed (white or whole grain)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Butter and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Binder
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (more if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Toast Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out and add a slight crunch. Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, thyme, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Combine with Bread: Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes and toss to combine evenly. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
- Add Broth and Eggs: Whisk together the chicken or turkey broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread cubes while tossing gently to moisten all pieces. Add more broth if the mixture seems too dry.
- Transfer and Cover: Transfer the moistened bread mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top of the dressing turns golden and crisp.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other holiday sides for a comforting, flavorful addition to your meal.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the liquids better and prevents the dressing from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred moisture level in the dressing.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the butter with turkey drippings if available.
- If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth and omit eggs or substitute with flax eggs.
- The herbs can be customized according to your taste; adding rosemary or sage enhances the traditional flavor profile.
