Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A comforting, savory stuffing featuring stale bread and corn muffins, seasoned with herbs and spices, perfect for holiday tables and family dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups stale bread
  • 2 cups corn muffins or egg bread
  • 5 cups stock or broth from bird
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Heat the stock or broth from the bird and butter, then pour over the bread crumbs.
  2. Combine the seasonings and eggs in a bowl.
  3. Mix the seasoned eggs into the bread mixture until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  5. Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different breads, like sourdough or whole wheat, along with the stale bread. You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. Adding herbs like sage or thyme can enhance the traditional taste further. To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing alongside your favorite roasted turkey, and pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole. It also complements dishes like Franks And Potato Casserole beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or sage before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover turkey dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing contains roughly 1030 calories, with 17g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1030 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.4g 35% DV
Total Fat 24.3g 31% DV
Carbs 189.8g 69% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1007.1mg 44% DV
Potassium 1189.1mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 438.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 213.4mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 52.8mg 59% DV
Calcium 392.1mg 30% DV
Iron 5mg 28% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the big day.

Can I freeze the turkey dressing?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dressing before baking it. Just ensure it’s completely cooled, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.

What can I add to the dressing for extra flavor?

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can also elevate the flavor profile. These additions can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dressing and pair well with American recipes.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →