Holiday Dressing
A savory holiday dressing featuring a rich blend of cream of chicken soup, bacon, herbs, and nuts, baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for festive gatherings, offering warm, comforting flavors with a delightful crunch, and pairs well with roast meats or festive sides.
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 package dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 4 muffins ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Place the mixture in muffin tins or a large baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced carrots or bell peppers to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable alternative and omit the bacon. You can also use leftover cornbread in place of muffins for a delightful twist. Adjust the herbs according to your taste; fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken for a festive meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a cozy breakfast, enjoy it with scrambled eggs or as a side to Chicken Broccoli Vegetable. Consider drizzling with a light gravy for added moisture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick snack, making sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Dressing contains roughly 385 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% 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 a day in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when baked.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you want a bacon substitute, consider using turkey bacon for a leaner option or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor without the meat. You can also omit it entirely and add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
Is this dressing suitable for freezing?
While it’s possible to freeze the dressing, the texture may change after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).