Old-Fashioned Bread Dressing
A classic, comforting bread dressing with savory herbs, tender vegetables, and rich eggs, perfect for holiday tables and family dinners with a moist, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs and poultry seasoning and toss together.
- Melt butter in a skillet; add diced celery and onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Beat eggs slightly; add milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sautéed onion and celery to the bread crumbs mixture.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Stir well and pour into a greased pan sprayed with Pam.
- Bake for about 45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or chopped nuts to the dressing. If you're out of poultry seasoning, a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary works well as a substitute. Use leftover bread from your favorite American recipes for the crumbs, ensuring it's soft for the best texture. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using broth that may already be salty.
Serving Suggestions
This old-fashioned bread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes for a classic feast. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a hearty vegetable stew or salad. You could also enjoy it with Mrs. Decker'S Peanut Brittle for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dressing with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain moisture. It can also be microwaved in shorter intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Bread Dressing contains roughly 1864 calories, with 29g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (225% of the Daily Value), iron (165% of the Daily Value), and calcium (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help it cook evenly and achieve the right consistency.
Can I freeze the dressing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked dressing in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious.
What type of bread works best for this dressing?
Soft white bread or whole wheat bread is ideal, as they create the best texture. You can also use leftover Caraway Bread for a unique flavor twist. Just ensure the bread is not too crusty, as soft crumbs are key to a moist dressing.
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).