Best 10 Classic Turkey Dressing Recipes

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Cooking classic turkey dressing is a great way to add a delicious and comforting dish to any holiday meal. This savory and flavorful dressing is made with a combination of cooked turkey, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is typically served as a side dish, but can also be a main course when served with a side of cranberry sauce. With so many variations, finding the best recipe for classic turkey dressing can be a daunting task. This article will provide you with some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds and make your holiday meal a memorable one.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

OLD-FASHIONED DRESSING



Old-Fashioned Dressing image

Remember Grandma's delicious turkey dressing? Taste it again combined with flavorful herbs and crisp veggies in this family-favorite dressing. You'll love the fact you can make it in your slow cooker. -Sherry Vink, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 3h35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups cubed day-old white bread
6 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, melt butter. Add the celery, mushrooms and onion; saute until tender. Stir in the seasonings. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Stir in vegetable mixture. Add broth; toss to coat., Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 714mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CLASSIC STUFFED TURKEY



Classic Stuffed Turkey image

For years, my mother has made this moist stuffed turkey recipe. Now, I do the same thing. The turkey stuffing nicely compliments the tender, juicy slices of oven-roasted turkey. -Kathi Graham, Naperville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h5m

Yield 12 servings (10 cups stuffing).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 large onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup butter
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
Warm water
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
Melted butter

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute the onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Add broth and seasonings; mix well. Place bread cubes in a large bowl; add mushroom mixture and toss to coat. Stir in enough warm water to reach desired moistness. , Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey. Place any remaining stuffing in a greased baking dish; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter., Bake turkey, uncovered, at 325° for 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180° for the turkey and 165° for the stuffing, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), Bake additional stuffing, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cover turkey with foil and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571 calories, Fat 26g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 153mg cholesterol, Sodium 961mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 44g protein.

BETTY CROCKER'S CLASSIC BREAD TURKEY STUFFING



Betty Crocker's Classic Bread Turkey Stuffing image

This is the stuffing that my mom makes very Thanksgiving, and it's absolutely divine. The holiday just isn't the same without the taste of this dish. The day after it's cooked, it's wonderful cold, too! This recipe makes enough for a 12-pound turkey, about three quarts of stuffing.

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Chicken

Time 15m

Yield 3 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 cups bread, cubes (Mom makes her own sometimes)
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup minced onion
1 1/2 cups chopped celery, stalks and leaves
1 cup chopped mushroom (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon ground sage
no-salt-added chicken broth (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large, heavy skillet over medium heat melt the butter, then sauté the onion and celery (and mushroom, if using) until the onion is soft, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the salt, pepper, and sage and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Place the bread cubes into a large, deep bowl.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of the butter/celery mixture over the cubes and toss well, then repeat steps until all of the butter mixture is used.
  • Toss the cubes thoroughly to coat.
  • (Regarding the optional chicken broth: for dry stuffing, add little or no liquid; for moist stuffing mix in lightly with fork just enough chicken broth to moisten dry crumbs.) Let cool and use as stuffing for the turkey.
  • We've made this stuffing in the crockpot, as well, adding the chicken broth for moistness.
  • Adapted from Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, circa 1950.
  • Note: regardling the amount of salt - yes, the amount listed above is correct and is what is listed in the original Betty Crocker recipe. When the butter mixture is first added to the bread, if you taste it at this point it might seem salty (because it is sitting right on the surface of the bread) but remember that the liquid and butter soaks into the bread and redistributes evenly. Also, this recipe, being from the 1950s, is specifically for cooking *inside* the turkey, which a lot of people no longer do, and again the salt will redistribute from the juices in the meat. If you use a crockpot for cooking your stuffing, I'd recommend reducing the amount of salt.
  • Note #2: again, regarding the salt. You're going to have to decide for yourself about the salt. Having eaten this recipe for every year of my life I know it tastes wonderful as it's written. But that's just me.

OLD FASHIONED STUFFING



Old Fashioned Stuffing image

This is my grandmother's old-fashioned bread stuffing recipe. It may be cooked as directed, or inside the turkey. It's enough to stuff a very large bird.

Provided by LYNN BECKER

Categories     Side Dish     Stuffing and Dressing Recipes     Bread Stuffing and Dressing Recipes

Time P1DT1h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

30 slices white bread, lightly toasted
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Allow the toasted bread to sit approximately 24 hours, until hard.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Crush the bread into crumbs with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery and slowly cook until soft. Remove from heat and drain.
  • Mix the eggs and chicken broth into the bread crumbs. The mixture should be moist, but not mushy. Use water, if necessary, to attain desired consistency. Mix in the onion, celery, rubbed sage, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Press the mixture into the baking dish. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the top is brown and crisp.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16.7 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 2.4 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 228.4 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

CLASSIC TURKEY DRESSING



CLASSIC TURKEY DRESSING image

Categories     Bread     Side     Thanksgiving

Yield 10-12

Number Of Ingredients 9

Turkey giblets
1 cup finely chopped celery (2 stalks)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon snipped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or ground sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 cups dry bread cubes (see tip)
1 to 1-1/3 cups chicken broth or water

Steps:

  • Rinse giblets. Refrigerate liver until needed. In a small saucepan cook the remaining giblets, covered, in enough boiling water to cover for 1 hour. Add liver. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes more or until tender. Drain* and chop giblets; set aside. 2. In the same saucepan cook celery and onion in hot butter over medium heat until tender but not brown; remove from heat. Stir in giblets, sage, pepper, and salt. Place dry bread cubes in a very large bowl; add the onion mixture. Drizzle with enough broth to moisten, tossing lightly to combine. 3. Use bread mixture to stuff one 8- to 10-pound turkey. (See stuffing tips and roasting chart for doneness temperatures and roasting times.) Place any remaining stuffing in a 1-quart casserole. (If necessary, to moisten, add more broth to stuffing in casserole.) Cover and chill until ready to bake. 4. Bake stuffing in casserole alongside turkey during the last 35 to 40 minutes of roasting time or until heated through. Or place all of stuffing in a 2-quart casserole. Bake, covered, in a 325 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Makes 10 to 12 servings. 5. *Note: If desired, substitute 1 to 1-1/3 cups giblet-cooking broth for the chicken broth.

CLASSIC STUFFING



Classic Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1 onion, finely chopped
5 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
16 cups 1/2 -inch stale country white bread cubes (about 1 3/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons fat from the turkey drippings (or butter)
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, sage and thyme; season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
  • Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread and the vegetable-broth mixture and stir until combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the turkey drippings (or dot with butter); sprinkle with the paprika.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, 25 to 30 more minutes.

CLASSIC STUFFING



Classic Stuffing image

The terms stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings: Stuffing is cooked inside the bird, dressing on its own. Use this recipe when making our Perfect Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Yield Makes 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 onions, (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
16 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
10 large fresh sage leaves, chopped, or 2 teaspoons crushed dried sage
6 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 stale loaves white bread, (about 36 slices), crust on, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 cups (about 2 bunches) fresh coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, leaves
2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
2 cups dried cherries (optional)

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sage, stir to combine, and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock, and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, until liquid has reduced by half.
  • Transfer onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add all remaining ingredients, including the remaining stock; mix to combine.

"SIMPLE IS BEST" DRESSING



Leave the sausage, nuts, dried fruit behind in favor of this easy, vegetarian-friendly stuffing recipe with country bread and Thanksgiving-classic herbs.

Provided by Victoria Granof

Categories     Thanksgiving     Bon Appétit     Side     Stuffing/Dressing     Herb     Onion     Bake     Celery     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Vegetarian

Yield 8-10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter plus more for baking dish
1 pound good-quality day-old white bread, torn into 1" pieces (about 10 cups)
2½ cups chopped yellow onions
1½ cups ¼" slices celery
½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, divided
2 large eggs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250°F. Butter a 13x9x2" baking dish and set aside. Scatter bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until dried out, about 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a very large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, melt 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onions and celery. Stir often until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add to bowl with bread; stir in herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 1 1/4 cups broth and toss gently. Let cool.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 1/4 cups broth and eggs in a small bowl. Add to bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly combined. Transfer to prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of dressing registers 160°F, about 40 minutes. (Note: Dressing can be made one day ahead up to this point. Uncover the dressing, let cool, then cover again and chill. The next day, proceed with the final bake as described below.)
  • Bake dressing, uncovered, until set and top is browned and crisp, 40-45 minutes longer (if chilled, add 10-15 minutes).

CLASSIC TURKEY STUFFING (USE TO STUFF A TURKEY)



Classic Turkey Stuffing (Use to Stuff a Turkey) image

This is the no-fail recipe that I have used many times in the past to stuff a turkey --- you may use 2-1/2 teaspoons ground sage in place of 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning if desired. purchase your bread about 3 days before using to make slicing easier. To save some time you can toast the bread cubes days in advance or prepare the complete stuffing up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. This will make enough stuffing for a 12-16 pound turkey or a very large roasting chicken, about 12-13 cups stuffing cooked. If you are not a garlic-lover then omit the garlic completey or reduce the amount to taste. Prep time includes baking the bread cubes, and yield is only estimated. I also like to add in a large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped but that is optional.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h

Yield 12 cups stuffing (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 loaf white sliced sandwich bread (purchase a 675-gram loaf bread)
3 large onions, finely chopped (the largest you can find!)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes!)
4 large celery ribs, finely chopped (including the leaves)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground savory
1 tablespoon seasoning salt (or use 1-2 teaspoons white salt, or to taste)
1 -2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 (10 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and coarsley chopped (can use 2 cans if desired for a more nutty flavor)

Steps:

  • Remove the crusts from the bread slices.
  • Slice bread into 1/2-inch pieces (does not have to be exact, you should have about 12-14 cups cubes).
  • Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and rotating the sheet/s halfway through baking time until the cubes are lightly toasted; place in a large bowl.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until HOT and sizzling.
  • Add in onions, garlic and celery (with the chopped leaves) stir immediately with wooden spoon; add in the poultry seasoning, seasoned salt and black pepper; saute for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir the onion/celery mixture along with the chopped water chestnuts into the bread cubes; toss well to combine.
  • Add in more seasoned salt (or white salt) and black pepper if desired to taste.
  • Let the stuffing cool completely before stuffing the turkey or roasting chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.3, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 333.5, Carbohydrate 30.4, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 4.8, Protein 4

CLASSIC SIMPLE STUFFING



Classic Simple Stuffing image

So simple to make, this classic stuffing for Thanksgiving is moist and flavorful with lots of toasty goodness around the edges. It's the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Don't forget the gravy!

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Categories     Bread Stuffing and Dressing

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cubed
¾ cup butter
1 ½ cups diced onion
1 ½ cups diced celery
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
2 large eggs
2 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Place bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool. Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent and beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Stir in salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper and remove from the heat.
  • Whisk together stock, eggs, parsley, and rosemary in a large bowl. Add cooled bread cubes and onion mixture; stir until very well combined. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden brown and lightly toasted on top, 20 to 25 more minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Cholesterol 74 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 7.3 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 844.5 mg

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for organic or free-range turkey, fresh vegetables, and herbs. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your dressing.
  • Make your own turkey stock. This is the best way to ensure a rich, flavorful dressing. Simply simmer the turkey carcass in water with vegetables and herbs for several hours, then strain and use the stock in your dressing recipe.
  • Use a variety of textures. Incorporate different types of bread, such as white bread, cornbread, and stuffing mix, to create a dressing with a complex and interesting texture.
  • Add plenty of herbs and spices. This is what will give your dressing that classic Thanksgiving flavor. Some popular herbs and spices to use include sage, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.
  • Don't overcook the dressing. It should be cooked through, but still slightly moist. Overcooked dressing will be dry and crumbly.

Conclusion:

Turkey dressing is a classic Thanksgiving dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways, so you can find a recipe that suits your taste. With a little planning and effort, you can make a delicious turkey dressing that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.

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