Tamale Dressing
A savory and flavorful tamale dressing combining bread crumbs, vegetables, herbs, and crumbled tamales, perfect for festive gatherings or hearty family meals with rich poultry flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 c. corn bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. celery, chopped
- 1/2 c. green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 8 fresh or frozen tamales, crumbled ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken or turkey broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread crumbs, corn bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green bell pepper, chopped parsley, and crumbled tamales.
- Add the beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or turkey broth gradually, mixing until well combined and moist.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through and top is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper before mixing them into the dressing; this enhances their sweetness. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary works well. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Serve with a side of salsa for a zesty kick.
Serving Suggestions
This tamale dressing is a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite Mexican recipes, such as Green Beef Enchiladas or Tex-Mex Chicken And Rice. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or guacamole to balance the flavors. It also makes a great filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Dressing contains roughly 494 calories, with 29g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% 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 combine all the ingredients and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just transfer it to the casserole dish and follow the baking instructions. This can save you time, especially during busy holiday meals.
Can I use other types of tamales in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of tamales, including cheese, pork, or spicy varieties, depending on your preference. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to crumble them well for even distribution throughout the dressing.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the tamale dressing before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals in advance.
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).