Get ready to transport yourself back to grandma's kitchen with this mouthwatering breadcrumb dressing that's been warming hearts and satisfying hungry families for generations. This isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary heirloom that promises to elevate your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With its perfect blend of buttery, herb-infused breadcrumbs and perfectly sautéed vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, sautéed onions and celery, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Gradually pour the vegetable broth into the breadcrumb mixture, stirring gently to ensure the breadcrumbs are moistened but not soggy. The mixture should hold together when lightly pressed.
- Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and gently pressing it down with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to set.
Tips
- Choose high-quality breadcrumbs: Fresh or day-old bread works best. For extra flavor, try using a mix of different bread types like sourdough and whole wheat.
- Don't oversaturate: When adding vegetable broth, add it gradually and mix carefully. You want the mixture moist but not soggy – think of the consistency of a well-packed snowball.
- Sautéing is key: Take your time caramelizing the onions and celery. This develops a deeper, richer flavor that will make your dressing truly memorable.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dressing to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and creates a more cohesive texture.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust that everyone loves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
