Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without a big, bubbling dish of savory, golden-brown dressing on the table. This Best Dressing Recipe is a nostalgic favorite that brings warmth, flavor, and the comforting taste of home to your holiday feast. Crispy on top and tender in the center, every bite is packed with fresh herbs, buttery bread cubes, and all the traditional flavors we crave each November.

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Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this dish is a must-have side that pairs perfectly with turkey, gravy, and all your Thanksgiving favorites. It’s simple to prepare but deeply satisfying, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and first-time hosts. Get ready to bring a beloved classic to your table that guests will rave about and request year after year.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Dressing?

The best bread for this dressing is day-old French bread or sourdough. It holds its structure while absorbing all the rich broth and seasonings. Avoid overly soft breads as they can become mushy. If you’re prepping ahead, cube the bread and let it dry out overnight for that perfect texture.

Ingredients for the Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

  • French or Sourdough Bread – This forms the base of the dressing and provides that crisp-tender texture everyone loves.
  • Yellow Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the mix.
  • Celery – Brings crunch and earthy balance to the soft bread.
  • Butter – Rich and flavorful, it helps soften the veggies and adds that indulgent taste.
  • Chicken Broth – Keeps the dressing moist and adds savory depth.
  • Eggs – Help bind everything together so the dressing holds its shape.
  • Fresh Parsley, Sage, Thyme, and Rosemary – These herbs infuse every bite with traditional holiday aroma and flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper – Essential to balance and bring all the ingredients to life.

How To Make the Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes

Cut your day-old French or sourdough bread into bite-sized cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight to dry, or bake at 250°F for 30 minutes until lightly crisped.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step builds a savory base for your dressing.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs and mix with the broth, then pour this mixture over the bread. Gently toss until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.


How to Serve and Store This Thanksgiving Dressing

Serve this dressing warm, straight from the oven as a standout side dish. It’s perfect next to roast turkey, gravy, or even vegetarian mains. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

It also freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating. This makes it a great make-ahead option!

What to Serve With Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Herb-Roasted Turkey

The ultimate pairing. The savory dressing soaks up all the juicy turkey drippings.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

A rich, cheesy contrast that brings extra indulgence to your plate. Try the recipe here

Southern Deviled Eggs

Creamy, tangy, and a great cold option to balance your hot dishes. View this Southern staple

Cranberry Orange Relish

The tartness cuts through the richness and lifts the flavor of the dressing. Check out the recipe

Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re enjoying leftovers, serve a scoop of dressing next to a hot bowl of cheeseburger soup for a cozy meal.


Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this classic Thanksgiving dressing, don’t miss these hearty favorites from Savor Queen:

Save This Pin For Later

Save this comforting classic to your holiday board on Pinterest so you can come back to it every Thanksgiving.

Put your own twist on it? Maybe add sausage or diced apples? Tell us in the comments how you make it your own!

For more delicious holiday recipes and everyday food ideas, follow Savor Queen on Pinterest. Fresh inspiration awaits!


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Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving

Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a holiday classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser? This Best Dressing Recipe Thanksgiving is your golden ticket to the most comforting, flavor-packed side dish of the season. With crispy edges and a moist, herb-infused center, this easy recipe combines buttery bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and traditional spices in every bite. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Ideal for any Thanksgiving dinner or festive gathering, this side fits beautifully with roast turkey, gravy, and all your favorite holiday flavors. A must-make for your collection of easy recipes, dinner ideas, and comforting food ideas for family feasts.


Ingredients

12 cups cubed day-old French or sourdough bread

1 cup chopped yellow onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup unsalted butter

2 ½ cups chicken broth

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper


Instructions

1. Cut bread into cubes and dry overnight or bake at 250°F for 30 minutes.

2. Melt butter in a skillet, then sauté onions and celery until soft.

3. In a large bowl, mix bread, sautéed veggies, herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Whisk eggs with chicken broth and pour over bread mixture. Gently toss to combine.

5. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

6. Uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until top is golden and crisp.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use slightly stale or oven-dried bread to ensure the dressing holds together without getting soggy.

Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor—avoid dried substitutions if possible.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: thanksgiving dressing, classic stuffing, holiday side dish, best dressing recipe, easy thanksgiving side

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