Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe: A Must-Have Side Dish for a Classic Feast
Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a delicious feast with all the traditional fixings. While the turkey may take center stage, there is one side dish that often gets overlooked- the dressing. A classic Thanksgiving dressing, also known as stuffing, is a staple on many holiday tables. It may seem like a simple dish, but when made right, it can be a standout addition to any Thanksgiving menu.
In this article, we will be sharing an old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe that has been passed down through generations. This tried and true recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to dish for future holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1 cup of butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, celery, and onion.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herb mixture over the bread mixture and toss to evenly distribute.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or turkey broth and beaten eggs.
- Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and add the dressing mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips:
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing turns out perfectly:
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. You can also use stale bread that has been left out overnight.
- For a more flavorful dressing, add in some chopped apples, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans.
- Make sure to toss the bread cubes with the melted butter before adding the spices. This will help the herbs adhere to the bread better.
- If you prefer a moister dressing, add in an extra 1/2 cup of chicken or turkey broth to the mixture.
- For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking or broil for a few minutes before serving.
Safety Precautions:
When preparing and cooking your dressing, it’s important to follow some safety precautions to ensure a safe and tasty feast.
- Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands and any cooking utensils before handling food.
- Keep raw meats separate from other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook the dressing to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure all harmful bacteria are killed.
- Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours after cooking.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:
Now that you have all the ingredients and tips, it’s time to get cooking! Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing for the ultimate feast.
- Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, celery, and onion.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herb mixture over the bread mixture and toss to evenly distribute.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or turkey broth and beaten eggs.
- Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and add the dressing mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing!
Expert Tips for Premium Results:
To take your old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing to the next level, here are some expert tips for premium results:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken and turkey broth.
- Add in some chopped cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist on this classic dish.
- If you prefer a breadier dressing, use less broth in the recipe.
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the top of the dressing before baking.
- Add in some fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing:
Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dressing the day before and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time to compensate for the cold temperature.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but the amount will vary. Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried sage, you would use 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh sage.
Q: Can I use cornbread instead of regular bread?
A: Yes, you can substitute cornbread for regular bread in this recipe. Just make sure to use day-old or stale cornbread for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze leftover dressing?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover dressing for up to 3 months. Simply let the dressing cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
In Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to cherish family, friends, and of course, delicious food. This old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday feast. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and expert tips, you can create a scrumptious side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So give this recipe a try and add some nostalgia and tradition to your Thanksgiving celebration. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!
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