Classic Thanksgiving Dressing

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Classic Thanksgiving Dressing – The Side Dish That Steals the Show

Ready to make the BEST Thanksgiving dressing ever? This recipe is pure comfort food — golden, buttery, and packed with flavor. Honestly, it might just outshine the turkey! Whether it’s your first time making dressing from scratch or you’re looking to upgrade your family’s favorite, this one’s a guaranteed hit. Get ready for those second (and third!) helpings!

The ultimate side dish for your holiday table

 Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon

 Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled dry bread (stale sourdough, cornbread, or a mix works great!)
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 2 cups chopped celery
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or turkey broth (warm)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)

 Instructions

1.  Prep the Bread:
   If your bread isn’t already dry, preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread crumbled bread on baking sheets and bake for 15-20 minutes until dried but not browned. Let cool completely.
2.  Cook the Veggies:
   In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent (about 8-10 minutes).
3.  Mix It All Together:
   In a large bowl, combine dried bread, cooked veggies, broth, eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and baking powder (if using). Add herbs if you like. Stir gently until evenly moistened — don’t overmix!
4.  Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch dish. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
5.  Serve:
   Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy that crispy top and soft, savory inside!

 Extra Tips & Variations

• Mix up the bread: Try a combo of sourdough, cornbread, and French bread for extra flavor depth.
• For a richer dressing, add a splash of turkey drippings or a spoonful of cream of chicken soup.
• Prefer it moister? Add ½ to 1 cup extra broth before baking.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dressing a day in advance, refrigerate, and bring to room temp before baking. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

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Classic Thanksgiving Dressing

The ultimate golden, buttery dressing — a holiday table essential!

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups crumbled dry bread
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cups chopped celery
• ½ cup butter
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp baking powder optional
• Fresh parsley or thyme optional

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• whisk
• - Spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Dry bread at 300°F for 15-20 min if needed; cool.
2. Cook onions & celery in butter until soft.
3. Mix bread, veggies, broth, eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, baking powder & herbs.
4. Pour into greased 9x13 dish.
5. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 min until golden.

Notes

Add turkey drippings or cream of chicken for richness.

Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake next day.

 Final Thoughts
This dressing is everything a Thanksgiving side dish should be — cozy, flavorful, and packed with love. It’s sure to become a staple at your holiday table. Don’t forget the gravy! 😉