Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey

Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey Recipe from USA | Thanksgiving Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey is a classic and essential recipe for any festive or holiday meal. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to enhance the flavor of your roast turkey, providing a comforting and savory side that complements the main dish perfectly. With its blend of soft bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, this dressing is not just a side dish but a highlight of the meal that brings warmth and tradition to the table.

History

The tradition of stuffing or dressing a turkey dates back centuries and varies widely across cultures and regions. The basic concept involves using a mixture of bread, herbs, and sometimes meats or fruits, to stuff inside the cavity of a turkey before roasting. This particular recipe for Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey is rooted in American culinary traditions, where it has evolved from simple bread and herb mixtures to include a variety of ingredients, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the country.

Ingredients

8 cups bread cubes
2 tbsp margarine
0.25 cup onion
0.5 cup celery
1 tsp sage
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground pepper
0.75 cup chicken broth
2 egg whites

How to prepare

Melt margarine in a large skillet.
Add onion and celery; cook until tender.
Add bread cubes.
Add sage, salt, and pepper.
Moisten with broth as desired, depending on preference for dry or moist dressing.
Beat egg whites lightly with a fork; stir into dressing.
Use as stuffing for turkey, or bake, covered, in a 1 qt (946 ml) casserole for 30 minutes.
Variations: Sauté 0.5 cup fresh, sliced mushrooms with celery and onions.
=====For Roast Turkey=====
Buy a fresh or frozen unbasted turkey.
To get the moist white meat of the basted variety, roast the turkey breast side down.
Place a meat rack in a roasting pan, place dressed bird, breast side down, on the rack.
Roast in your usual manner.
Turn the turkey breast side up during the last 30 minutes to brown.

Variations

For a richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or cooked sausage to the dressing.
Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apples for a sweet contrast.
Use a mix of bread types (such as white, whole wheat, and sourdough) for added texture and flavor.
Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy.

- If you prefer a moister dressing, feel free to add more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

- For added flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine.

- Don't overmix the egg whites into the dressing to keep it light and fluffy.

- If baking outside the turkey, cover the casserole dish for the first 20 minutes to prevent the top from drying out, then uncover for the last 10 minutes for a crispy top.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is best served alongside roast turkey, but it can also complement other poultry dishes. For a complete holiday meal, pair it with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a selection of roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a perfect dressing is the balance between dry and moist ingredients. Sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the bread cubes helps to soften them and release their flavors. Lightly beating the egg whites before incorporating them ensures the dressing stays fluffy and moist during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.

- Replace margarine with butter for a richer taste or with olive oil for a healthier option.

- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- For those who do not consume eggs, flaxseed meal mixed with water can be a viable binder.

Make Ahead Tips

This dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. If stuffing the turkey, do so just before roasting to avoid any food safety issues.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dressing in a beautiful casserole dish garnished with fresh herbs like sage or parsley. For individual servings, consider baking in muffin tins for perfectly portioned dressing cups.

Pairing Recommendations

A classic roast turkey is the perfect match for this dressing. Pair with a rich, buttery Chardonnay or a light, fruity Pinot Noir to complement the flavors of the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed. If the dressing seems dry, add a little broth before reheating to moisten.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey contains approximately 120 calories. The calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients used and any additional components added to the recipe.

Carbohydrates

This Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the bread cubes. The exact carbohydrate content can vary based on the type of bread used.

Fats

Each serving of this dressing contains about 4 grams of fat, which comes from the margarine. Using butter or adding other ingredients like sausage can increase the fat content.

Proteins

The protein content in this recipe is relatively low, with about 3 grams per serving, coming mainly from the egg whites. Adding meat such as sausage or using whole eggs can increase the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

This dressing provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including small amounts of vitamin A from the margarine, vitamin C from the celery, and various B vitamins from the bread. The onions and celery also contribute dietary fiber and a variety of minerals like potassium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include wheat (from the bread) and eggs. Those with allergies to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey is a moderately low-calorie side dish that offers a good balance of carbohydrates and fats, with a modest amount of protein. It also provides some vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your holiday meal.

Summary

Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey is a timeless and versatile recipe that adds depth and flavor to your holiday meals. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a must-have side dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dressing is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey. It was a cold, blustery day in November, just a few days before Thanksgiving. I had been searching through my collection of old cookbooks, looking for the perfect stuffing recipe to elevate my roast turkey dinner. As I flipped through the worn pages of one of my grandmother's cookbooks, I came across a recipe that seemed to jump off the page and catch my eye.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - bread crumbs, onions, celery, herbs, and butter - but the method for preparing the stuffing was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It instructed me to sauté the onions and celery in butter until they were soft and fragrant, then mix them with the bread crumbs and herbs before stuffing the mixture into the turkey cavity. The result was a moist, flavorful dressing that complemented the roast turkey perfectly.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and as I worked in the kitchen that day, I couldn't help but think back to the many meals I had shared with my family over the years. My grandmother had been the one who first sparked my love for cooking, teaching me the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and taking the time to prepare meals with care and love.

I remembered the countless hours we had spent together in the kitchen, laughing and talking as we chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and baked delicious treats. My grandmother had always encouraged me to experiment with new flavors and techniques, and I had learned so much from her over the years.

As I pulled the golden-brown turkey out of the oven that Thanksgiving day, the aroma of the Bread Dressing wafted through the kitchen and brought back a flood of memories. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a way to honor my grandmother's legacy and keep her spirit alive in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey for my family and friends, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I add a handful of dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch. Each time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the love and passion she poured into every meal she cooked.

As my own children grew up and started families of their own, I passed the recipe down to them, along with the stories and memories that went along with it. I watched with pride as they carried on the tradition of making the Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey, adding their own unique twists and flavors to make it their own.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of roasting turkey and freshly baked bread, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me so many years ago. Her recipes have become a part of who I am, a link to the past that connects me to my family and our shared culinary heritage.

I may have stumbled upon the recipe for Bread Dressing for Roast Turkey by chance that cold November day, but I know now that it was no accident. It was a gift from my grandmother, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple meal shared with the ones we hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful.