Cracker Dressing
Cracker Dressing is a nostalgic, savory side dish featuring saltine crackers soaked in a flavorful chicken broth mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break up crackers into a large bowl; add diced celery, chopped onion, chopped fresh parsley, sliced hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of chicken broth to mix in with the cornstarch.
- Heat the remaining chicken broth in a saucepan, then stir in the cornstarch mixture; keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Keep hot.
- Just before serving, pour small amounts of the hot broth mixture over the crackers; toss to moisten without making it too wet.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you prefer a bit more texture, try adding chopped bell peppers or even some cooked sausage for a heartier dressing. Be cautious with the salt, as the crackers and broth can be quite salty already.
Serving Suggestions
This cracker dressing is a delightful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with roast chicken or turkey, making it a perfect complement to holiday meals. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside dishes like Instant Sweet And Sour Chicken or One Dish Chicken And Rice. A simple green salad can also enhance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cracker dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth if it appears too dry. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crackers soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cracker Dressing contains roughly 606 calories, with 15g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 907mg 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 make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture of crackers, vegetables, and eggs a day in advance. Just wait to add the hot broth mixture until you're ready to serve to ensure the crackers maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free crackers or crushed rice cakes. For a different flavor, you could also use buttery crackers, which will add a richer taste to the dressing.
Can I freeze cracker dressing?
Freezing is not recommended for cracker dressing, as the texture of the crackers will become mushy upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh, so consider making only what you need for your meal.
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).