Dressing For Poultry
A savory poultry dressing with bread, liver, and herbs, perfect for stuffing or as a side dish, offering rich flavors and moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the bread or break it apart and dry in a very low (200°) oven. Cool.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 or 1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter and sauté the chopped liver and heart.
- Add chopped celery and onion to the sauté and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cool the mixture.
- When both the bread and mixture are cool, mix them thoroughly together.
- Add beaten eggs, to which you have added a little milk, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well; add a little more milk if needed.
- Let the mixture stand for 1 hour or overnight, covered, in the refrigerator.
- Before stuffing the bird, if it looks dry, add a little more milk.
- The dressing should be wet but not soggy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dressing, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the sage. If you don't have poultry liver, you can substitute with diced cooked chicken or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. To achieve a perfect texture, ensure the bread is dry enough to absorb the liquid without becoming mushy. Keep an eye on the seasoning; taste as you mix to get it just right.
Serving Suggestions
This poultry dressing pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as turkey or chicken, making it a perfect choice for holiday meals. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a twist, consider serving it with a side of Congealed Salad(Club Member: Brigitte Magee) for a nostalgic touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also add a splash of milk to restore moisture before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dressing For Poultry contains roughly 282 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 dressing a day in advance. After mixing all the ingredients, cover and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just remember to check the moisture level before stuffing the bird, as it may need a little more milk.
What type of bread works best for this dressing?
While any bread can be used, a hearty loaf like sourdough or whole grain adds great texture and flavor. Avoid soft bread varieties that can become too soggy. For a twist, you could even use cornbread for a unique taste.
Is it safe to stuff the bird with this dressing?
Yes, as long as the dressing is prepared and cooked properly. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when stuffed inside the poultry. If you're concerned, you can also bake the dressing separately in a dish, which is a great option for a crispier texture.
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).