Turkey dinner isn’t complete without the dressing, and a homemade bread dressing makes it even better!
INGREDIENTS:
(NOTE: These measurements are approximations and can be easily adjusted to your desired taste and texture. The secret to a good homemade dressing is adding the right amount of seasoning, so be sure to do a taste test!)
12 cups Bread cubes, fresh or dried
1/3 cup Butter
1 large Onion, diced
1 cup Celery, diced
1 cup Apple, cored and diced
1 ½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 tbsp Poultry seasoning
2 tbsp Parsley
2 tbsp Summer savory
4 cups Chicken broth or combination of chicken broth and apple juice. If you’re using fresh bread cubes you will use less liquid.
DIRECTIONS:
- Melt butter in a large frying pan.
- Add onions, celery and apple and sauté for a few minutes until slightly tender.
- Add bread cubes and seasonings and combine.
- Add broth, stirring to coat bread cubes and create desired consistency.
- If you are using fresh bread cubes you will need less liquid.
- If you are cooking in a crock pot, the dressing will hold the moisture, so you may want to add a little less liquid. If you are cooking in the oven, the dressing may lose some moisture, so you may want to add a little more liquid. You can also add more liquid during the cooking process if you need to. If you find the dressing too wet, either work in some more bread cubes or put in the oven at 350°F, uncovered for a while.
- Crock pot method: Cook on low for 2-2½ hours or until heated through. This is my preferred method for cooking dressing as it allows room for other things in my oven.
- Oven method: Put stuffing in a greased casserole, cover, and cook at 350°F for about 1 hour or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove lid for the last 15 minutes.
Bread cubes
Save stale bread and buns in your freezer to use in your dressing. A couple weeks before you make a turkey dinner prepare your bread cubes. Cut the bread and buns into cubes and put in a large roaster. Bake in the oven at 200°F stirring every 15 minutes until the bread is dry, about two hours. When cool, put in a large freezer bag and freeze until needed.
You may also enjoy these posts by Julia Stewart:
Subscribe to Homemaking Jewels today!
