Celery Dressing Loaf(Makes 12 Servings)
A hearty savory loaf combining celery, onions, corn, and pecans with herbs, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering comforting flavors in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oleo ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sage ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 2 slices wheat bread, cubed ⓘ
- 8 oz. can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted oleo ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions and celery in 2 tablespoons oil until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, and oregano. Mix well. Remove from heat.
- Stir in bread cubes, corn, and pecans. Mix well.
- Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Combine milk, melted oleo, and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix.
- Add the vegetable mixture and stir well.
- Spread evenly in a greased 5 x 9-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the vegetable mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds can be great substitutes. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the oleo with a plant-based alternative and ensure the bread is free from animal products. This dressing loaf can also be enhanced with a splash of vegetable broth for moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This celery dressing loaf pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. It can also serve as a hearty side dish for holiday meals, complementing dishes like Debara'S Broccoli Casserole. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup or stew, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave's power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Dressing Loaf(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 387 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 905mg per serving (39% 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 use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wheat bread is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough or gluten-free bread. Just ensure it is sturdy enough to hold up during baking.
Is it possible to make this dressing loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing loaf a day in advance. Assemble the mixture and store it in the greased loaf pan, covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the dressing?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers. For a touch of sweetness, you can mix in some dried cranberries or raisins. Experimenting with spices like cumin or paprika can also add depth to the dish.
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).