Every Thanksgiving morning, while the parade plays in the background, I tear soft Italian bread into a giant bowl, just like my mom and grandma did. This thanksgiving dressing recipe is a time-honored tradition in our family, a savory, buttery dish loaded with memories and rich flavors. Unlike boxed stuffing, this version is made from scratch using fresh vegetables, herbs, and homemade stock. Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, it’s the one side dish everyone fights over at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
This dressing bakes up golden and crisp on top, while staying moist and flavorful inside. It’s simple enough to prep ahead, flexible with ingredients, and rich in nostalgic comfort. Every bite pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy, making it a standout on any holiday spread. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a small gathering, this easy holiday side dish always delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.
Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Dressing
Pantry & Fresh Ingredients for Thanksgiving Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian bread, soft bakery-style | 2 loaves (torn into 1-inch pieces) |
| Butter | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
| Celery (tops and leaves preferred) | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Poultry seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt + black pepper | To taste |
| Turkey neck + giblets or broth | For homemade stock (optional) |
Substitutions for Classic Dressing Recipes
If you can’t find Italian bread, soft sandwich rolls or brioche work just as well. Use unsalted chicken broth instead of homemade stock. For extra flavor, add chopped sage or thyme. For a vegetarian twist, skip the giblets and simmer vegetable broth with onion and herbs. Gluten-free or dairy-free adjustments are easy too, just swap in your preferred bread and plant-based butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Dressing
Time needed: 1 hour
Making this thanksgiving dressing recipe is easier than you might think. From tearing the bread to that golden finish in the oven, these four steps guide you through each phase with simple techniques and no guesswork. You’ll go from a bowl of ingredients to a buttery, perfectly baked holiday classic in under an hour.
- Prep the Bread Base
Break the bread into bite-sized, 1-inch chunks and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Let it sit uncovered while prepping the vegetables, it helps the bread absorb the flavor better.
- Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 7–10 minutes.
- Combine with Seasoning
Sprinkle poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper over the bread. Pour in the buttery veggies and stir well to combine.
- Moisten, Bake, and Brown
Gradually ladle in warm stock, stirring after each scoop. The bread should be soft but not soggy. Press into a buttered 9×13 pan, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more until the top is golden.
Pro Tips for the Best Dressing Recipe
Start the giblet stock early, it only needs 20 minutes to simmer. Choose celery with leafy tops for more flavor. If the mixture is too wet, add more bread; too dry, drizzle more stock. A helpful test: when you press the mix, it should hold together without sounding “slurpy.” For extra crisp edges, leave the foil off during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations for Your Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
For a gluten-free version, use a sturdy GF loaf. To go dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil. Want protein? Add cooked sausage or mushrooms. For a Southern-style twist, mix in one beaten egg. Or try serving it alongside rich sides like Root Vegetable Gratin for a truly cozy spread.
Serve This Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe With…
Pair this dish with roasted turkey, pan gravy, and holiday staples like Garlic Bread Rolls, bright cranberry sauce, or sweet pumpkin cheesecake pie. It also holds its own with a simple salad or green vegetable.
How to Store and Reheat Turkey Dressing Safely
Let leftovers cool fully before refrigerating. Refrigerate in a tightly covered container and use within four days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. If it seems dry, drizzle with warm broth before baking. You can also freeze baked dressing for up to 2 months, thaw overnight and reheat uncovered. Follow USDA food safety guidelines for best practices.
Nutrition Facts for Your Thanksgiving Dressing
Each serving (about 1 cup) has roughly 285 calories, 16g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. If you’re watching salt, consider using low-sodium broth and tasting before adding more. See CDC’s sodium guide for tips on managing intake.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Stuffing and Dressing
Most stuffing recipes include bread cubes, sautéed celery and onion, butter, poultry seasoning, broth, salt, and pepper. Some families add sausage, apples, or nuts for variety. This thanksgiving dressing recipe keeps it classic and flavorful with just a few key ingredients.
It’s optional. Some Southern-style recipes include eggs to bind the mixture and create a softer texture. This recipe doesn’t use them, but you can add one if you like. Be sure to follow FDA egg safety guidelines if using raw egg.
Dressing is essentially stuffing baked outside the bird. The ingredients are nearly the same, but “dressing” is the term commonly used in the South. You can try Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing if you want to compare.
Cowboy stuffing is a meatier version often made with ground beef, sausage, corn, peppers, and cheese. It’s more of a main dish casserole than a side, and while tasty, it’s quite different from traditional Thanksgiving dressing.
More Recipes Like This Dressing Favorite
Try more fall favorites from our kitchen:
Unique Thanksgiving Recipes for fresh ideas beyond the basics.
Garlic Bread Rolls that always disappear first.
Spinach and Artichoke Wonton Cups for a creamy, spiced finish.
Root Vegetable Gratin if you love rich, cozy casseroles.
Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This classic Thanksgiving dressing recipe is soft inside, golden on top, and packed with buttery flavor. Perfect for serving with turkey and gravy.
Ingredients
- 2 loaves Italian bread, torn into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely chopped celery with leaves
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups (480 ml) turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: turkey neck and giblets for homemade stock
Instructions
Tear the bread into 1-inch chunks and place in a large mixing bowl.
In a large skillet, melt 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and sauté for 7–10 minutes until soft.
Sprinkle poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper over the bread. Pour the sautéed vegetables over and mix thoroughly.
Ladle in warm broth 1/2 cup at a time (up to 2 cups), stirring until the bread is evenly moistened. Spread into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden brown on top.
Notes
- Soft, fluffy Italian bread works best. Avoid crusty loaves like baguettes.
- You can replace the giblet stock with store-bought broth, choose low-sodium.
- To reheat, splash with 2–3 tablespoons broth and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Save This Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe for Later
Save this Thanksgiving dressing recipe to your holiday board so it’s ready when you are. Pin it, share it with family, or bookmark it for your next gathering. There’s nothing like a classic made from scratch with love.