Thanksgiving Dressing
A savory and flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing with tender chicken, aromatic celery and onion, seasoned with poultry seasoning and baked to perfection, ideal for holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put day old bread slices on cake pans in oven at 250°F until slices are browned.
- After cooled, soak browned slices a few seconds in water.
- Squeeze out water well and gently.
- Put bread in a large bowl.
- Brown chopped celery, onion, and butter together. Add this mixture to the bread.
- Fold in cooked and cut-up chicken.
- Add pepper, poultry seasoning, salt, and beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Stuff turkey with part of the dressing and place the rest in a 10 x 7-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a combination of white and whole grain bread for added texture and flavor. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary can work as a substitute. Consider adding chopped apples or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness. Make sure to allow the bread to dry out completely before soaking to avoid a mushy dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Thanksgiving dressing alongside your favorite roasted turkey for a classic holiday meal. It also pairs beautifully with Green Beans Viennese for a balanced plate. For a heartier feast, consider complementing it with 'Melt In Your Mouth' Pork Chops. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.
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 for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Dressing contains roughly 893 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% 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. Complete steps 1 through 8, then cover and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, as the flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
What can I substitute for the chicken in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. For a different protein, diced turkey or sausage works well too, maintaining the savory depth of flavor in the dressing.
Is it possible to freeze the dressing?
Yes, you can freeze the dressing before baking. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
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).