Raisin Dressing(Great With Ham)
A sweet and savory raisin dressing with bread, perfect for ham or poultry, offering rich flavors and a moist, tender texture that complements festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak raisins in water long enough to plump them.
- Drain the raisins.
- Mix bread cubes, drained raisins, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add melted butter and mix well.
- Combine slightly beaten egg and cream.
- Add the egg and cream mixture to the bread mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark raisins instead of regular ones. If you're out of cream, milk or a non-dairy alternative works well as a substitute. To add a touch of spice, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the dressing’s profile. Make sure to cube the bread evenly for consistent baking. For a crunchier texture, toast the bread cubes lightly before mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This raisin dressing pairs beautifully with ham, making it a perfect side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. You can also complement it with a sweet sauce, such as a light glaze made from orange juice and honey, to enhance the flavors. Consider serving it with American recipes that feature roast meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may not be as crisp. For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing and thawing it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Dressing(Great With Ham) contains roughly 397 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 stale bread for this recipe?
While stale bread is preferred for better texture, you can use fresh bread. Just toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out a bit before cubing. This will help absorb the moisture from the mixture without becoming too soggy during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dressing vegan by replacing the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and using plant-based butter and cream alternatives. The overall flavor will still be delightful.
How can I add more flavor to the dressing?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or some herbs such as thyme or sage for an earthy note. You can also experiment with different types of dried fruits, like apricots or cranberries, to give it a unique twist.
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).