Name: Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 14 cups) day-old white bread, cubed and dried; 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 ½ to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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Few things say “holiday warmth” quite like a heaping helping of Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing. This beloved classic is the heart of the Thanksgiving table, balancing buttery bread, aromatic herbs, and plenty of savory, soft-in-the-middle, golden-on-top goodness. It’s comforting, unfussy, and endlessly customizable—whether you keep things strictly traditional or throw in your own creative twist, this dressing is the luscious backbone that pulls together every big family meal, year after year.

Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing lies in its balance: humble ingredients transform into a symphony of flavors and textures. Each one works in tandem to deliver that crave-worthy contrast between crispy edges and moist, herby interiors, and they’re all easy to find and prep.

Day-old white bread: The foundation; cut and dried so it soaks up every drop of flavor without turning mushy.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and brings out the aroma of onions and herbs as they sauté.
Yellow onion: Essential for a savory-sweet base and subtle depth in every bite.
Celery: Brings welcome crunch and bright, earthy taste to balance the bread.
Garlic: Minced for a mellow warmth that melds beautifully with herbs.
Fresh parsley: For a burst of color and a fresh, grassy note in the blend.
Sage (fresh or dried): The star herb, lending unmistakeable Thanksgiving nostalgia.
Thyme (fresh or dried): Adds gentle herbal complexity and a woodsy touch.
Salt: Seasons and brightens every component so flavors shine.
Ground black pepper: For a subtle kick that rounds everything out.
Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: Moistens and infuses the bread with savory depth; can sub in veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
Eggs: Lightly beaten, they bind the dressing for that classic, custardy cohesion.

How to Make Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Start by cubing the day-old bread and spreading it out to dry a bit more if needed. If the bread is too soft, don’t be afraid to toast it lightly in the oven for extra sturdiness—this ensures your Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing will bake up with wonderful texture, never soggy.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs

Melt all that glorious butter in a large skillet and add the chopped onions and celery. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and glistening—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper and let the aromas bloom for another couple of minutes. The kitchen will already smell like a holiday memory in the making.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Veggie Mixture

Pour the fragrant veggie and herb mixture over the prepared bread cubes in your largest mixing bowl. Use a big spoon (or your hands, if you’re feeling cozy) to toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated and flecked with green.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Eggs

Next, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs in a separate bowl. This combo is what gives the dressing its signature rich, almost creamy texture. Gradually pour it over the bread mix, tossing gently as you go to make sure everything is evenly moistened. The goal here is soft, not soggy; you might have broth left over depending on how dry your bread is.

Step 5: Transfer and Bake

Spoon the mixture into your buttered baking dish, pressing it down gently with the back of your spoon or your fingers. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes—this keeps things steamy and moist inside. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is toasty and golden brown. Let the Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing rest for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps it set up for easy scooping.

How to Serve Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing

Garnishes

Finish your Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or extra sage leaves for a pop of color and an extra herbal aroma. If you’re feeling decadent, a pat of butter melted over the top just before serving makes for a glossy, irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

For the perfect plate, pair your dressing with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and of course, turkey. The savory herbs and tender bread make it a dreamy partner for gravy, roasted vegetables, and tart-sweet relishes alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the usual casserole: spoon the Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing into individual ramekins for elegant, personal-sized servings, or turn leftovers into savory muffin cups the next day. For a festive brunch, use the dressing as a base for a breakfast strata with eggs and cheese—crowd-pleasing and clever!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the dressing completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to three days—it holds its flavor and texture beautifully, making seconds (and thirds) just as delightful as the first round.

Freezing

Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing freezes like a champ! Portion cooled dressing into airtight containers or bags and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll taste deliciously fresh whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dressing with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). Uncover for the last few minutes for a crisp top. If the dressing looks dry, splash a bit more broth over before popping it in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use cornbread or sourdough instead of white bread?

Absolutely! Cornbread adds sweetness and a little extra crumbly texture, while sourdough brings a tangy depth. Either swap makes Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing your own signature side.

How do I make vegetarian Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing?

Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken or turkey broth. All the cozy flavor, none of the meat—a hit with vegetarians and omnivores alike!

What’s the difference between dressing and stuffing?

Technically, stuffing is cooked inside the bird, while dressing is baked in a separate dish. Both feature similar ingredients, but baking it on its own gives you that perfect mix of crispy edges and tender center.

Can I add sausage or turkey to the dressing?

You bet! For extra savoriness, stir in cooked, crumbled sausage or diced cooked turkey just before baking. This transforms Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing into a hearty, nearly main-course dish.

How do I make my dressing less dry or too wet?

Add the broth gradually and trust your instincts: stop when the bread is nicely moistened but not soggy. If it turns out dry after baking, drizzle on a bit of warm broth before serving, and if it’s too wet, bake it a bit longer uncovered.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give this Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing a spot on your holiday menu—there’s nothing quite like those familiar, cozy flavors mingling with laughter around the table. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s most-requested side year after year!

Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Thanksgiving dressing recipe featuring a savory blend of herbs and vegetables mixed with cubed white bread, baked to golden perfection. This hearty side dish is a must-have for any holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes:

1 loaf (about 14 cups) day-old white bread, cubed and dried

Vegetable Mixture:

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Moistening Mixture:

2 ½ to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish. Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until softened. Add garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Pour vegetable mixture over bread cubes; toss. Whisk broth and eggs in a bowl; gradually add to bread mixture, stirring until moistened.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Rest before serving.