No Bird Dressing
A savory, comforting dressing with creamy soups, tender cornbread, and aromatic sage, perfect for holiday meals or family dinners, offering rich flavors and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornbread crumbs, white bread slices torn into pieces, chopped onion, sage, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Mix in the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup until smooth.
- Melt the margarine and add it to the soup mixture, then pour over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or celery to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of chicken and celery soups with homemade versions or use vegetable soup for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dressing can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main. Serve alongside dishes like Mushroom-Chicken Casserole or Chicken Pie for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Bird Dressing contains roughly 1156 calories, with 9g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2304mg per serving (100% 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 assemble the mixture and store it in the refrigerator without baking. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can use an equal amount of unsalted butter or olive oil as a substitute for margarine. Both options will add a rich flavor and moisture to the dressing. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well.
Is this dressing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dressing can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable-based soups instead of cream of chicken soup. Additionally, ensure that the bread used is free from any animal products. This makes it a great option for meatless meals.
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).