Emergency Dressing

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A comforting, savory stuffing with cornbread, bread cubes, celery, onion, and herbs, perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups crumbled corn bread
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sage, if desired
  • 2 slices day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon diced onion
  • 2 cans soup (chicken and rice, chicken bouillon, etc.), undiluted

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the sage. If you don't have corn bread, any type of stale bread can work; just adjust the amount of milk to maintain moisture. You can also swap out the soup for homemade broth or any cream soup for a different taste. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers and can be easily customized.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, try it with a side of Chicken Soup Meat Loaf or indulge in a hearty bowl of chicken and rice soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Emergency Dressing contains roughly 931 calories, with 14g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2749mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).

931 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.9g 28% DV
Total Fat 28g 36% DV
Carbs 158.3g 58% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 13.1g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2748.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 503.4mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 158.1mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 239.3mcg 27% DV
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 180.7mg 14% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg 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 mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for the canned soup?

You can replace the canned soup with homemade chicken broth or a cream sauce. Just ensure you maintain the consistency; if using broth, you might want to add a bit more milk or a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the desired texture.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

To make this dressing gluten-free, substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread and ensure your corn bread is also made without gluten. Check the labels on the canned soup for any gluten content as well, or use a gluten-free soup alternative.

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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