Bread Dressing

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Bread dressing is a flavorful and comforting side dish, perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. Its savory blend of bread crumbs, onion, celery, and herbs creates a moist, aromatic stuffing that pairs well with poultry or roasted meats, appealing to those who enjoy hearty, seasoned comfort food.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups bread crumbs
  • 3 cups broth
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • pepper
  • sage
  • poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 cup margarine

Instructions

  1. Saute onion, celery, sage, poultry seasoning, and pepper in margarine until vegetables are tender.
  2. Add broth to the sautéed mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Pour the mixture over bread crumbs until moistened.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 425°F for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the bread crumbs with cornbread for a different texture and taste. If you want a bit of crunch, add some chopped nuts or seeds. To enhance the dish, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of margarine.

Serving Suggestions

This bread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken and is a classic side for holiday meals. It also complements dishes like Whole Wheat Sandwiches With Olive Filling and Orange Mushroom Salad. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite vegetable sides for a complete 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, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the dressing from drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bread Dressing contains roughly 343 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

343 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.1g 16% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 47.8g 17% DV
Fiber 9g 32% DV
Sugar 9.7g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 603.8mg 26% DV
Potassium 682.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 152.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 86.7mg 7% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate it uncooked. Just make sure to cover it well. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This can save you time during busy meal preparations.

What type of bread is best for this recipe?

You can use any type of bread for this dressing, but stale bread works best as it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. White bread, whole wheat, or even sourdough can add different flavors. Experiment with what you have on hand for a unique twist.

Is this dressing suitable for vegetarians?

To make this dressing vegetarian, simply replace the broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based margarine or olive oil. This allows you to enjoy a delicious, meat-free version while still retaining the savory flavors that make this dish appealing.

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).

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