Mama Lee'S Chicken Or Turkey Dressing
A comforting and savory stuffing featuring toasted bread, cornbread, and crackers, seasoned with sage, black pepper, and salt, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups biscuit and white bread crumbs, toasted ⓘ
- 3 cups cornbread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 cups crackers, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, diced ⓘ
- 2 sticks margarine ⓘ
- 5 whole eggs, well beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rubbed sage ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 quarts chicken or turkey broth ⓘ
- 1 tall can evaporated milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions and celery until tender in 2 cups water and margarine.
- Mix toasted bread crumbs, cornbread crumbs, crushed crackers, diced onions, diced celery, beaten eggs, rubbed sage, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add chicken or turkey broth and evaporated milk; stir well to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a well greased baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until browned and cooked through, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the diced onions and celery in a bit of chicken fat or oil before mixing them into the dressing. You can substitute gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Ensure the bread crumbs are well-toasted for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dressing alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a classic holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with Southern Chicken Roll-Ups or a fresh green salad. Consider adding a side of cranberry sauce for a pop of sweetness. This dish also makes a great base for a hearty casserole when combined with leftover meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Lee'S Chicken Or Turkey Dressing contains roughly 1480 calories, with 36g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), iron (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2767mg per serving (120% 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 follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover the prepared mixture, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, let it come to room temperature before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Can I freeze the dressing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For best results, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk. However, keep in mind that non-dairy options might alter the flavor slightly. For a richer taste, consider using half-and-half or a mixture of cream and milk.
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).