Old Fashioned Bread and Celery Dressing for Thanksgiving 🦃🍞

This classic recipe for bread and celery dressing is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast. It combines the warmth of homemade bread with the refreshing crispness of celery and the aromatic blend of herbs. It’s a delightful side that complements turkey and gravy beautifully and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free holiday.

Ingredients

For the dressing

• 10 cups of cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten (optional for richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and dried out. This step helps to prevent a soggy dressing.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh herbs, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

3. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and mix everything well.

4. Moisten the Mixture: Gradually pour in the broth, starting with 2 cups. Gently toss the bread and vegetable mixture until it's evenly moistened. You want it to be moist but not soggy. If desired, add the beaten eggs for additional richness and binding.

5. Bake: Transfer the dressing into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve: Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm alongside your turkey and gravy!

🥄 Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, for an extra special touch.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the day-old bread with gluten-free bread. Adjust the broth quantity as gluten-free bread may absorb liquid differently.

• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate a mix of your favorite herbs – rosemary or dill can wonderfully complement the flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sauté some diced jalapeños with the onions and celery for a little heat.

• High Altitude: Increase the baking temperature by 25°F and reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes so your dressing bakes evenly at higher elevations.

Enjoy this timeless dressing at your Thanksgiving table, and watch how it brings everyone together in comfort and flavor! 🍽️❤️