Bread Dressing For Fowl
A savory bread dressing with rich giblet flavors, herbs, and nuts, perfect as a stuffing or side for poultry dishes, offering a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
Ingredients
- giblets from 1 bird, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 cups bread, broken in small pieces ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups nutmeats (black walnuts preferred) ⓘ
- milk to moisten ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute giblets in butter until browned.
- Remove giblets and saute chopped onions in the same pan.
- Combine cooked giblets, onions, bread pieces, chopped celery, parsley, salt, paprika, nutmeg, and nutmeats.
- Add milk to moisten the mixture as needed.
- Bake in a shallow pan until browned and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the black walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts if preferred. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing. When breaking the bread, a mix of whole grain and white bread can add texture and flavor. Don't hesitate to add herbs like thyme or sage for additional depth. Keep an eye on the dressing while it bakes to avoid over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
This bread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted fowl, making it an excellent side for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinners. Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an added touch, consider accompanying it with a yogurt tomato cocktail for a refreshing contrast, or a hearty soup like tomato-cheese soup to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Dressing For Fowl contains roughly 2975 calories, with 28g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 219g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. Simply complete all steps except for baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a convenient option during busy meal prep.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A mix of day-old white bread and whole grain bread works well, providing both texture and flavor. You can also experiment with sourdough or cornbread for a unique twist. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the moisture without becoming mushy.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the giblets and use vegetable broth instead of milk to moisten the mixture. Additionally, consider adding mushrooms or more vegetables to enhance the flavor profile while keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).