Mother In Law'S Turkey Dressing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A savory, hearty turkey dressing with flavorful herbs and vegetables, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, combining tender meat with moist bread stuffing.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 stick margarine
  • Leftover turkey or 1 small chicken
  • 1 cup broth
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 8 buns, dried and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped celery and onion in margarine.
  2. Cut up cooled, cooked chicken.
  3. Mash liver and chop gizzard.
  4. In a bowl, add seasonings (poultry seasoning, salt, pepper).
  5. Add dried, crumbled buns to the seasoned mixture.
  6. Add cooked meat and beaten eggs to the bread mixture.
  7. Work in 2/3 cup broth until well combined.
  8. Pat out the mixture in a baking dish.
  9. Pour 1/3 cup broth on top.
  10. Bake at 350°F until done, about 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use stale buns to absorb moisture without becoming soggy. If you don't have margarine, butter can be a great substitute. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or sage for extra flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using vegetable broth and leaving out the turkey or chicken, which can make a fun twist on this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this turkey dressing as a hearty side dish alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with recipes like Crock-Pot Turkey or Lamb Breast, Barbecued for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider drizzling it with gravy or serving it with cranberry sauce on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This dressing also freezes well for up to two months; just thaw before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother In Law'S Turkey Dressing contains roughly 365 calories, with 29g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

365 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.5g 57% DV
Total Fat 19.8g 25% DV
Carbs 17g 6% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1119.3mg 49% DV
Potassium 363.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 109.3mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 8.8mg 10% DV
Calcium 61.1mg 5% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 add other ingredients to this dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate sautéed mushrooms, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish.

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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