As the leaves turn to brilliant hues of red and orange, and there’s a chill in the air, we know that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s the season for gratitude, gathering with loved ones, and savoring a feast that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. And at the heart of that feast is the legendary Thanksgiving Dressing, a dish that combines the essence of tradition and the joy of savoring the flavors of the season.
Today, we bring you the ultimate Thanksgiving Dressing recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to hosting Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe will guide you through creating a side dish that’s not only delicious but also memorable. Our dressing is the perfect blend of textures, flavors, and seasonings, ensuring it complements your turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce to perfection.
So, why should you choose this Thanksgiving Dressing recipe? Because it’s a crowd-pleaser and a timeless classic. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining the soft, savory crumbly interior with a crispy, golden-brown top layer. The aroma of toasting bread and aromatic herbs will fill your kitchen, building excitement for the Thanksgiving meal to come.
Our recipe strikes a perfect balance of flavors, with the nutty warmth of rosemary-infused olive oil, the heartiness of smoked sausage, and the richness of butter. The diced onion and celery bring that quintessential holiday aroma, while the sage and parsley deliver layers of earthy, herby goodness.
Ingredients:
- French Bread Loafs and Wheat Bread Loaf
- Branch and Vine Rosemary Olive Oil
- Smoked Sausage
- 2 sticks of Butter
- 1 large Onion
- 1 cup Celery
- 4 cups Chicken or Turkey Broth
- 5 Eggs
- 2 Tbsp. Sage
- 2 Tbsp. Parsley
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cooking Spray
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Cut the French bread and wheat bread loaves into cubes. Drizzle with Branch and Vine Rosemary Olive Oil, then toast in the oven until golden and crispy.
In a large skillet, melt one stick of butter and sauté diced onions, celery, and sliced smoked sausage until the onions turn translucent.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sage, and parsley.
Add the cooked mixture from the skillet to the bowl.
Whisk eggs and pour them into the bowl. Stir until well combined.
Heat the chicken or turkey broth and pour it over the bread mixture while stirring.
Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the dressing mixture to it.
Cut the remaining stick of butter into pieces and place them on top of the dressing.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes at 350°F. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.
Let the dressing rest for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavors.
- Use homemade chicken or turkey broth for extra richness.
- Add dried cranberries, chopped apples, or pecans for extra layers of flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Gluten-free dressing using gluten-free bread.
- Vegetarian version with vegetable broth and omitting the sausage.
- Cornbread dressing using cornbread instead of wheat and French bread.
- Mediterranean-inspired dressing with olives and feta.
- Asian fusion dressing with ginger and soy sauce.
What to Serve It With:
- Roast turkey and gravy.
- Cranberry sauce.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Green bean casserole.
- Candied Yams.
- Creamed corn.
- Brussel sprouts.
- Roasted carrots.
- Honey Glazed Ham.
- Pumpkin pie.
Storage Tips:
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
How Much Stuffing Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
- For family gatherings, a general rule of thumb is to plan on 1/2 to 3/4 cup of stuffing per person. This quantity can vary based on your guests’ appetites and the number of side dishes you’re serving.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Dressing?
- You can prepare the dressing components (toasting the bread, sautéing the vegetables and sausage) a day in advance. Assemble and bake it on the day of your Thanksgiving celebration for the best taste and texture.
Thanksgiving is a time to create cherished memories and traditions. This Thanksgiving Dressing recipe has all the elements to make your holiday table truly special. With these expert tips and variations, you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences, and with our storage advice, you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come. So, this year, make the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table something everyone will be thankful for – your delicious homemade dressing.
Recipe Card
Thanksgiving Dressing
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Begin by cutting the French bread and wheat bread loaves into cubes. You can cut them into your desired size, but they should be roughly like croutons.
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Drizzle Branch and Vine Rosemary Olive Oil over the bread cubes. Toss them to ensure they are well-coated.
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Transfer the bread cubes to a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden. Remove them from the oven and set them aside.
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In a large skillet, melt one stick of butter over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the celery to the skillet and cook it with the onion for another 2-3 minutes, or until it softens.
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Cut the smoked sausage into slices and add them to the skillet. Cook until they brown and release their flavor, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Season the mixture in the skillet with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.
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In a separate large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sage, and parsley. Mix well.
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Pour the cooked onion, celery, and smoked sausage mixture into the bowl with the bread cubes and herbs.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then add them to the mixture in the large bowl.
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Gently stir everything to combine and ensure the bread cubes soak up the flavors.
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In another pot, heat the chicken or turkey broth over medium heat.
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Pour the hot broth over the bread mixture while stirring gently to combine. Make sure the bread absorbs the broth evenly.
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Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
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Transfer the dressing mixture to the greased baking dish.
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Cut the remaining stick of butter into small pieces and place them on top of the dressing.
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Cover the baking dish with foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
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Once the dressing is browned and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving dressing as a side dish for your holiday meal.
Equipment
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