Italian Bread Dressing
A savory Italian bread dressing with herbs, sausage, and vegetables, perfect as a flavorful side dish for festive or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together toasted bread crumbs, salt, finely chopped onion, parsley flakes, melted butter, diced celery, paprika, and cooked and drained sausage.
- Add sage and poultry seasoning to taste.
- Add a small amount of chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a package of dry vegetable soup mix.
- Bake at 325°F until done, stirring often during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage and thyme. If you don't have sausage on hand, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. You can also replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free varieties if needed. Adjust the moisture level with chicken broth gradually, as too much can make the dressing soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Bread Dressing pairs beautifully with roast turkey or chicken as a flavorful side dish. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or green beans. It also complements Italian recipes like Veal Cutlet Parmigiana(Parmigiana Di Vitello E Cotolette) or Italian Sausage Loaf for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to prevent dryness and cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. Bake at 325°F until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Bread Dressing contains roughly 1161 calories, with 22g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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. Simply mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
What can I substitute for celery?
If you're not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with diced bell peppers or carrots for added sweetness and crunch. Both options will bring a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish's texture.
How do I know when the dressing is done baking?
The dressing is done when it is golden brown on top and the edges are crispy. Stir it occasionally during baking to ensure even cooking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating that it's cooked through.
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).