Holiday Dressing Recipe
This Holiday Dressing recipe features a classic blend of cornbread, Italian, and French bread combined with savory herbs and vegetables, creating a moist and flavorful side perfect for festive meals. The dressing is prepared with a rich broth infused with butter, onions, celery, and a medley of herbs, then baked until golden and crisp on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes active plus 48 hours drying time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 48 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Breads
- 1 loaf cornbread
- 1 loaf Italian bread, such as ciabatta
- 1 loaf French bread
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, diced small
- 5 stalks celery, diced small
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. ground thyme
Liquids & Fats
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed for moisture
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/8 tsp. turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut all the breads into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on sheet pans. Cover with a dish towel and allow them to dry out until crisp, which takes at least 48 hours. This step ensures the bread absorbs the broth properly without becoming soggy.
- Sauté the vegetables and make broth infusion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, chopped parsley, minced rosemary, dried basil, ground thyme, salt, and pepper. If using turmeric, add a pinch to give a golden color. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Combine bread and broth mixture: Place all the dried bread cubes into a large bowl. Gradually ladle the warm broth mixture over the bread while tossing gently to ensure even moisture distribution. Continue adding broth until the dressing reaches your preferred level of moisture—usually all of it is used. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bake the dressing: Transfer the moistened dressing into a large casserole dish or use it to stuff your turkey cavity. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve hot alongside turkey and gravy.
Notes
- For best results, allow the bread to dry for a full 48 hours for perfect texture.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level; adjust seasoning after combining.
- Turmeric is optional but adds a lovely golden hue to the dressing.
- This dressing can be baked separately or stuffed inside the turkey.
- If the dressing seems dry after baking, add a little more broth next time or cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/holiday-dressing-recipe/