Classic Thanksgiving Baked Bread Dressing
A traditional American side dish perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, featuring seasoned bread cubes baked to golden perfection with savory herbs, vegetables, and broth.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Vegetables
- Fats and Liquids
- Herbs and Spices
- Seasoning
- Binder
Let’s make it
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables (with their butter), fresh sage, thyme, and parsley if using. Mix well.
Prepare Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine and Rest
Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture. Gently toss until the bread cubes are evenly moistened but not saturated. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Prepare for Baking
Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining butter cut into small pieces.
Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for about 10 minutes. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving meal.
Tips & notes
Use day-old bread or lightly toasted fresh bread cubes for best texture. Avoid soaking bread excessively to prevent sogginess. Fresh herbs enhance flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted; reduce quantity to half when using dried.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may lose some crispness but will retain flavor.
Reheating
Reheat covered in a 175°C (350°F) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
