White Bread Dressing

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A savory bread stuffing featuring sautéed mushrooms, onions, and celery, seasoned with herbs and spices, perfect for holiday dinners or hearty family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups crustless day-old or toasted white bread, diced
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • milk or chicken stock

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
  3. Sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
  4. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add dried basil, salt, paprika, nutmeg, and diced bread to the bowl.
  6. Lightly moisten the mixture with milk or chicken stock, mixing gently to combine.
  7. If desired, add chopped cooked chicken and 1 1/2 cups of chopped nutmeats for extra flavor.
  8. Transfer the dressing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and lightly browned on top, about 20-25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you're out of dried basil, oregano can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can also enhance the dressing with nuts by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This white bread dressing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken and makes an excellent side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside Potatoes And Gravy for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out the plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Bread Dressing contains roughly 596 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

596 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.8g 22% DV
Total Fat 40.8g 52% DV
Carbs 54.2g 20% DV
Fiber 11.9g 43% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 430.5mg 19% DV
Potassium 1017.4mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 167.4mg 56% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 798.5mcg 89% DV
Vitamin C 22.4mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 365mg 28% DV
Iron 9.2mg 51% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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. After mixing the ingredients, cover and refrigerate it. On the day of serving, simply bake it as instructed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white bread is traditional, feel free to use whole grain or sourdough for added flavor. Just ensure the bread is day-old or toasted to prevent sogginess in the dressing.

Is there a way to make this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for regular bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, like broth and spices, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this classic dressing.

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).

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