One Leg Turkey And Dressing
A hearty, savory turkey and dressing casserole featuring homemade cornbread, flavorful poultry seasoning, and tender turkey meat, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off one leg and thigh of the turkey.
- Cook the turkey, using broth for dressing, plus broth from baking the turkey.
- Mix the bread ingredients (cornmeal, baking powder, eggs, buttermilk, flour, salt) and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cool the bread.
- Mix the bread with broth, eggs, celery, deboned turkey meat, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Adjust the mixture to be just right—neither too soupy nor dry.
- Bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist dressing, ensure to use enough broth from cooking the turkey, adjusting as needed. You can substitute the cornmeal with a gluten-free blend if desired, and consider adding herbs like thyme or sage for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne or black pepper can enhance the overall taste. This dressing pairs wonderfully with classic American recipes like roast vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey and dressing alongside cranberry sauce and green beans for a festive meal. A light salad, such as Turkey And Nectarine Salad, can complement this dish well. For a heartier experience, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to create a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Leg Turkey And Dressing contains roughly 529 calories, with 16g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% 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 a different part of the turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use turkey breast or other parts, but the leg and thigh provide more flavor and moisture, which enhances the dressing. If using breast meat, be sure to keep it moist with additional broth.
What can I do if the dressing turns out too dry?
If your dressing is too dry after baking, you can drizzle additional broth over it before serving. Mixing in a bit of melted butter or adding sautéed vegetables can also help improve texture and flavor.
Is it possible to prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
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).