Get ready to transform your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering dressing recipe that's been passed down through generations! Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this classic American side dish will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown dressing that's crispy on top, tender on the inside, and bursting with herbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 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.
- Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes, about 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and allow them to dry out at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or use day-old bread for best results.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute to release the herbs' aromatics.
- Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add chicken or turkey broth to the bread mixture, stirring gently. The bread should be moistened but not soggy. Add broth slowly to control the consistency.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the dressing set.
- Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or chicken. Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Tips
- Use day-old bread or let bread cubes dry out for the best texture. Stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy dressing.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - take time to caramelize onions and celery to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Add broth gradually and gently mix to control moisture. You want the dressing moist but not wet.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or a handful of dried cranberries.
- Always cover the dish initially while baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover to create a crispy top layer.
- Let the dressing rest after baking - this helps the ingredients set and flavors meld together perfectly.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
