Turkey With Squash Dressing
A hearty turkey roast stuffed with savory cornbread dressing featuring squash, herbs, and cheese, perfect for festive gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 19 oz. package cornbread mix ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cups Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 stick melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups broth ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cheese ⓘ
- 3 slightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 pounds cooked squash, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare cornbread mix according to directions; cool on wire rack.
- Mix cornbread with herb seasoned stuffing.
- Saute chopped onions and chopped celery in melted margarine until tender.
- Add salt, black pepper, shredded cheese, slightly beaten eggs, cooked squash, sage, and sauteed onions and celery to the bread mixture.
- Add broth to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Remove giblets from turkey; rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry.
- Sprinkle cavity of turkey with salt.
- Stuff the turkey with the prepared dressing.
- Brush the turkey with vegetable oil.
- Cook at 325°F for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, you can substitute the cornbread mix with homemade cornbread for a fresher taste. If you prefer, use olive oil instead of melted margarine for a healthier option. Ensure the squash is well-drained to prevent the dressing from becoming soggy. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. This dish can be complemented with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey with the squash dressing as the star of the meal, accompanied by cranberry sauce for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes make excellent sides. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For dessert, consider serving Jame'S Key Lime Pie or Peg'S Cherry Cheese Pie to finish on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turkey and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the turkey in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, and reheat the dressing separately on the stovetop or in the microwave. This ensures the turkey remains moist and the dressing retains its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey With Squash Dressing contains roughly 1114 calories, with 32g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1862mg per serving (81% 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 the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook the turkey, stuff it with the chilled mixture and follow the cooking instructions. This can save time on the day of your gathering.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Chicken broth will add a richer flavor to the dressing, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter. Both options will work well, so choose based on your taste or dietary needs.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While shredded cheese adds creaminess to the dressing, you can experiment with different types like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. Just be mindful that stronger cheeses may alter the overall taste.
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).