Take A Leek Dressing
A savory leek and celery dressing with aromatic sage and poultry seasoning, perfect for stuffing poultry or as a flavorful side for festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the diced celery and leeks in boiling water for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- Cook the minced onion in the margarine over low heat until tender, but not browned.
- Mix the bread cubes and seasonings together in a large bowl.
- Add the drained celery and leeks to the bread mixture.
- Pour in the reserved cooking liquid as needed to make the mixture moist.
- Combine all ingredients with a fork until well mixed.
- Stuff the mixture into a 10 to 12-pound bird or use as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If leeks are unavailable, shallots can be a good substitute. You can also use day-old sourdough or whole wheat bread for added texture. Adjust the poultry seasoning to your taste; adding a hint of Creole Seasoning Mix can elevate the dish. Always taste the mixture before stuffing to ensure the seasoning is to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. Consider serving it alongside Waldorf Health Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, it also complements creamy dishes or can be served as a side with a light soup like Spanish Vegetable Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Take A Leek Dressing contains roughly 2207 calories, with 23g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 169g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value), and calcium (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Simply mix all ingredients and store it covered in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, stuff it into your bird or warm it in the oven as needed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, replace the margarine with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Additionally, you can use gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Adjust the seasonings to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.
How do I know when the dressing is fully cooked?
If you're stuffing the dressing inside a bird, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption. If baking separately, it should be golden brown on top and hot throughout. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.
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).