If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to complete your holiday feast, this Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe is absolutely a must-try. It’s that perfect blend of buttery, herb-infused bread cubes soaking up savory broth with just the right hint of sage and thyme. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this dish brings those warm, nostalgic flavors that make Thanksgiving so special. Every bite is a cozy, flavorful celebration that pairs beautifully with your turkey and all the fixings, making your holiday table shine with tradition and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build deep layers of flavor and texture, from the crunchy toasted bread cubes to the rich, fragrant herbs and smooth broth.
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) day-old bread, cubed (white or whole grain): Using day-old bread helps absorb the liquid perfectly without becoming mushy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1 large onion, diced: Offers a savory base with a slight sweetness once cooked.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and warmth to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried): Gives an herbal brightness that’s classic in Thanksgiving flavors.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A blend that enhances the meaty, savory notes of the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon sage: Imparts that quintessential autumnal, slightly peppery hint.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (more if needed): The liquid binder that brings everything together with rich flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Helps hold the dressing’s texture firm while baking.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a splash of color and fresh herbal notes to finish.
How to Make Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, you want to get your oven preheated to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure the dressing doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a golden crust that every holiday dream needs.
Step 2: Toast the Bread Cubes
Spread your cubed day-old bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes. Toasting is essential as it gives your dressing body, preventing it from becoming too soggy once the broth and eggs are added.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
In a skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Toss in the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Adding garlic, thyme, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper next, cook everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes — this step fills your kitchen with those signature Thanksgiving aromas.
Step 4: Combine the Vegetable Mixture with Bread Cubes
Once your veggies are perfectly sautéed and seasoned, pour them over your toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat the bread evenly. Sprinkle in fresh parsley for a fresh pop of green and lightly mix through.
Step 5: Mix Broth with Beaten Eggs and Moisten the Bread
Whisk together your chicken or turkey broth with the beaten eggs, then gradually pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables. Toss gently, making sure every cube is moistened but not soggy. If it feels dry, add a bit more broth — the perfect consistency is key to the best texture.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes so the dressing can steam and set, locking in flavor and moisture inside.
Step 7: Uncover and Crisp the Top
Remove the foil to let the top bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This gives your dressing that irresistible crunchy, golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once perfectly baked, don’t let your Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe cool down too much. Serve it warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and sides, ready to be the star on your holiday table.
How to Serve Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few whole thyme sprigs on top right before serving instantly elevate your dressing’s presentation and add bursts of fresh, herbal aroma. Adding a pat of melting butter on warm servings can also make it feel extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dressing shines when paired with all the classics: roasted or carved turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and vibrant green beans. The herbaceous and buttery notes in the dressing balance beautifully with these traditional flavors, creating a harmonious Thanksgiving plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve your dressing in individual ramekins with a crisp top, or turn leftovers into skillet stuffing cakes on toasty brioche buns the next day. Another fun idea is to fold in cooked sausage or dried cranberries before baking for a new flavor dimension that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy those festive flavors a little longer after the big meal.
Freezing
This dressing freezes wonderfully. Transfer leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing extra air to prevent freezer burn. It’s best used within 2 months for optimal taste and texture, so you can bake it again on a chilly day when you crave holiday comforts.
Reheating
Reheat your dressing gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Reheating in the microwave works in a pinch but may sacrifice some textural magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While fresh bread can work, it tends to absorb too much liquid and become mushy. Using day-old bread or lightly toasting fresh bread first ensures the perfect texture that holds up during baking.
Is poultry seasoning necessary in this recipe?
Poultry seasoning adds a classic blend of spices that complements the turkey and herbs beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a mix of dried sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I make this dressing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken or turkey broth for vegetable broth. The butter and herbs still create terrific flavor, making it a satisfying vegetarian side for your holiday table.
How do I know if the dressing needs more broth?
The mixture should be moist but not soupy. When you toss it, the bread cubes should cling together slightly but not pool in liquid. Add broth little by little until this happens for the best result.
Can I prepare the dressing the day before Thanksgiving?
Yes! You can assemble the dressing through Step 5, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, pop it into the oven covered, then uncover it for the final crisping. This makes holiday day cooking a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe is truly a timeless, heartwarming dish that makes every Thanksgiving table feel complete. With its buttery herbs, savory broth-soaked bread, and that perfect crunchy top, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down for years to come. Give it a try this year, and watch it become one of your family’s favorite traditions as well!
Print
Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Thanksgiving turkey dressing recipe featuring toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, all moistened with broth and eggs, then baked until golden and crisp on top. This flavorful side dish perfectly complements your holiday turkey feast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) day-old bread, cubed (white or whole grain)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (more if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the dressing does not stick during baking.
- Toast Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl to prepare for combining with the other ingredients.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add diced onion and celery, sautéing them for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, thyme, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Combine Bread and Vegetable Mixture: Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Add the chopped fresh parsley and toss everything well to combine evenly.
- Add Broth and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or turkey broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to moisten all the bread cubes. Add more broth if the dressing seems too dry.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the moistened dressing mixture to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to maintain moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Covered: Bake the dressing covered for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing it to cook through while staying moist.
- Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step crisps up the top, giving the dressing a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other traditional dishes for a comforting holiday meal.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for this recipe because it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried ones but reduce quantities accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- If you prefer a moister dressing, add a little extra broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth and omit the eggs or use a vegan substitute.
- You can prepare the bread cubes and sautéed vegetable mixture a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
