Old Fashion Bread Dressing
A savory bread dressing made with day-old buns, onions, celery, sage, and broth, perfect as a flavorful stuffing or side dish for holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ensure buns are dry, leaving them out overnight and crumbling into a large bowl.
- Melt oleo (butter or margarine) in a skillet, then add chopped onions and celery.
- Sauté the mixture until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the crumbled buns along with salt, pepper, and crumbled sage.
- Optionally, pour turkey or chicken broth over the mixture before baking.
- Bake the assembled dressing at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken or turkey broth instead of just boiling water. If you don’t have sage, thyme or poultry seasoning can be excellent substitutes. For a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds. Ensure the buns are fully stale to absorb moisture without becoming mushy. You can also mix in some cooked sausage for added protein, reminiscent of flavors found in dishes like Sausage - Sweet And Saucy.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashion Bread Dressing pairs beautifully with roast turkey or chicken, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic comfort food experience. For a complete meal, consider complementing it with a fresh green salad or the Turkey Bean Casserole for a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave portions, covered, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Bread Dressing contains roughly 146 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% 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 use fresh bread instead of hot dog buns?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it's crucial to let it dry out first. Leave it out overnight or toast it lightly to prevent the dressing from becoming too soggy. Hot dog buns add a unique texture and flavor, but any stale bread can work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dressing vegetarian?
To make this dressing vegetarian, simply replace the bouillon cubes with vegetable broth and omit any meat products. The sautéed onions and celery provide a flavorful base, and you can enhance the taste with additional herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance, storing it unbaked in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly. This makes it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.
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).