Nanny'S Dressing
Nanny's Dressing is a savory, moist stuffing with rich buttery flavor, aromatic sage, and optional oysters, perfect for holiday tables or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the bread about 1 day ahead so it will be dried good. Break bread into small pieces.
- Saute butter, onions, and chopped celery for about 45 minutes or until done.
- Add all the ingredients together, including enough broth to make the mixture soupy.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dressing, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the sage. If you're short on time, pre-packaged bread crumbs can be a quick substitute for toasted bread. For a twist, try incorporating a handful of sautéed mushrooms or some chopped nuts for added texture. If using oysters, make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is a perfect side dish for roasted turkey or chicken, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals. It also pairs beautifully with Diane'S 'Seafood' Appetizer for a festive spread. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a well-rounded dinner. A drizzle of gravy on top can enhance its flavor further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nanny'S Dressing contains roughly 388 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% 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. Assemble all ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature, add any additional broth if needed, and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the broth?
If you don't have turkey or chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute, although it may change the flavor slightly. You could also use water mixed with a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Alternatively, homemade broth is always a great option if available.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the dressing before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add a bit more broth if it seems dry after thawing, then bake as usual.
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).