This Secret Recipe Will Make Your Thanksgiving Dressing the Star of the Table
Thanksgiving dinner is all about gathering around the dinner table, celebrating family, and of course, enjoying comforting dishes that bring everyone together. If you’re looking for that one old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe to complete your holiday table, we’ve got you covered.
Traditional recipes like these are staples, but a true classic dressing takes it a step further—full of flavor, moist but never mushy, and baked to golden perfection.
Let’s dive into a recipe that will make this year’s Thanksgiving unforgettable.
What Makes a Classic, Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe?
Old-fashioned Thanksgiving dressing is more than just a side dish; it’s a holiday meal essential. The dressing is usually made with day-old bread, sautéed vegetables, rich broth, and a few key spices. Unlike stuffing, which is typically cooked inside the turkey, dressing is baked separately in a baking dish, giving it a crispy top and a soft, flavorful inside.
Why We Call It Dressing, Not Stuffing
Traditionally, “stuffing” was prepared inside the Thanksgiving turkey, while “dressing” is baked separately. Over time, both terms have become interchangeable. But whatever you call it, this recipe captures all the comforting flavors and textures that Thanksgiving dishes are known for.
Ingredients for an Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dressing a true holiday staple:
- Day-Old Bread: Soft white bread mixed with cornbread creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The bread should be slightly dried out to soak up all the delicious broth and seasonings without becoming too mushy.
- Butter: Adding a rich, savory base, butter helps sauté the veggies and keeps the dressing moist while baking.
- Onion and Celery: These classic Thanksgiving ingredients add depth and aroma, making the dressing taste hearty and delicious.
- Poultry Seasoning and Sage: The perfect blend of herbs that gives this dish its comforting, holiday taste.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor, helping the bread absorb all the seasonings. You can adjust the amount based on whether you prefer a drier or moister dressing.
- Eggs: The binding agent that keeps the dressing together, giving it a custard-like consistency without falling apart.
- Optional Add-Ins: Sausage, nuts, or dried cranberries can add extra flavor, texture, and a hint of sweetness to the dressing.
Each ingredient brings a unique flavor to the table, and together they create a truly comforting dish.
To speed up the process of drying out bread for your dressing, cut the bread into cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This will quickly dry out the bread without toasting it, making it ready to soak up all the broth and seasonings perfectly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown, as you just want it dry and crisp, not toasted.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
1. Prep the Bread
Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out overnight. This step helps the bread soak up the broth and flavors without turning mushy. If you’re in a pinch, you can dry the bread in the oven at a low temperature.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, cooking until they’re softened and translucent. The vegetables should be tender and lightly golden, enhancing their flavor.
3. Mix the Bread and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed veggies. If you’re adding sausage, cranberries, or nuts, mix them in at this point to distribute evenly.
4. Combine Broth and Eggs
In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then gradually add the chicken broth while whisking to blend evenly. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the broth, helping the dressing hold together well.
5. Add the Broth Mixture to the Bread
Pour the egg-broth mixture over the bread mixture and toss gently. Start with two cups of broth, checking the texture—add more if needed, a bit at a time, until the bread is moist but not soggy. This step creates a well-bound, perfectly textured dressing.
6. Season and Transfer to Baking Dish
Season the mixture with poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
8. Finish with Browned Butter
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle 1/4 cup of browned butter over the dressing before serving. This final touch adds a warm, nutty richness that complements the classic herbs beautifully.
Tips for Making Perfect Thanksgiving Dressing
- Drying Out the Bread: Dry bread cubes are essential for absorbing all the flavors and keeping the dressing from becoming too dense or mushy.
- Moisture Control: The amount of broth you use depends on your preference. For a firmer dressing, use less broth; for a softer texture, add a bit more.
- Season Generously: Dressing can sometimes taste bland if under-seasoned. Don’t be afraid to add extra poultry seasoning or sage for a true holiday flavor.
Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe Recap
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Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This old-fashioned dressing recipe stands out with a special addition of browned butter drizzled over the top before the final bake. The browned butter adds a unique richness and slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the classic herbs and bread without overpowering them. This simple yet effective step elevates the dressing, adding a subtle depth that complements the traditional flavors.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Foil
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread cubes (a mix of white bread and cornbread, dried overnight or in the oven)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth, plus extra as needed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup browned sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup browned butter, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Place bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until crisp, or let them dry out overnight. - Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, cooking until softened and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. - Combine Ingredients:
Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter, celery, and onion mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss to combine. Add optional sausage, nuts, or dried cranberries if using. - Prepare Broth and Eggs:
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to create a well-blended mixture. - Moisten and Bind:
Pour the egg-broth mixture over the bread mixture and toss until well combined. If the mixture appears dry, add more broth a little at a time until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the dressing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, drizzle 1/4 cup of browned butter over the top for a rich, nutty finish, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Bread Choices: Use a mix of white bread and cornbread for a balanced flavor and texture. Drying out the bread cubes is essential for the dressing to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Broth Quantity: Adjust the amount of broth based on how dry the bread is and personal preference. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Make-Ahead Option: The dressing can be prepared up to the baking step and refrigerated overnight, then baked fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
Here’s how you can customize this dressing for different diets and preferences:
- Bread: If white bread isn’t available, try French bread or wheat bread for a heartier flavor.
- Broth: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, olive oil or vegan butter can be used, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.
- Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to bind the mixture.
FAQs About Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
Absolutely! Prep the dressing up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving for the best flavor.
Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the Thanksgiving turkey, while dressing is baked separately in a dish. The flavors are similar, but baking separately gives the dressing a crispier top.
Yes, you can freeze leftover dressing. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to bring back its texture.
A mix of white bread and cornbread creates a flavorful and well-textured dressing. The bread should be slightly dried out to soak up the broth without becoming soggy.
Start with dried bread cubes, then gradually add broth until the bread is moist but not soggy. Cover the dish while baking, then uncover to let the top crisp up.
Yes, fresh sage or thyme can add a vibrant flavor to the dressing. Just use about twice the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Definitely! This classic dressing pairs beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or any traditional Christmas meal. It’s a versatile side dish that works well for any holiday meal.
Why This Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe Stands Out
The addition of browned butter before the final bake makes this recipe unique, adding a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the classic sage and poultry seasoning. This small step elevates the dish without overpowering the other flavors, giving it that extra holiday touch.
Related Recipes and Guides
Want to Pair Your Dressing with a Classic Side?
If you’re looking to complete your Thanksgiving spread, try making this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. The sweet and tangy flavors perfectly balance the richness of this old-fashioned dressing.
Add Some Homemade Bread to the Table
Freshly baked bread is a fantastic addition to any holiday meal. Check out our 3-Ingredient Cornbread Recipe to create a simple, delicious option that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving dressing.
Mastering Your Broth and Butter Techniques
Curious about perfecting your ingredient prep? Visit our How to Measure Butter and Fats Guide for tips on getting the most flavor out of each ingredient.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.