Mom Watkins' Turkey Dressing
Mom Watkins' Turkey Dressing is a flavorful, savory dish with tender turkey, aromatic vegetables, and toasted bread, perfect as a hearty side for holiday meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion and celery a few minutes until tender.
- Mix cooked onion, celery, corn bread, beaten eggs, chopped turkey wings, toasted bread, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning together.
- Add enough turkey stock to moisten the mixture.
- Transfer to a glass baking dish and place a few pats of butter on top.
- Bake at 375°F until the dressing is browned and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onion and celery. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or cornbread. Adjust the poultry seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to incorporate leftover turkey or even smoked sausages and pineapple for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey dressing alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with spiced applesauce muffins for a touch of sweetness. For a complete spread, consider adding a side of green beans or cranberry sauce to complement the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turkey dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This will help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Watkins' Turkey Dressing contains roughly 338 calories, with 11g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the turkey stock and bake it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the turkey dressing?
Yes, you can freeze the turkey dressing. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of turkey stock?
If turkey stock is unavailable, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed, since some broths may be saltier than others.
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).