Homemade Holiday Dressing is a long-standing family tradition at my house, and it’s so simple and reliable that I had to share the recipe. This herbed holiday dressing is versatile, comforting, and pairs well with almost any main course—turkey, chicken, ham, or beef.
Homemade Holiday Dressing
If you want a classic side for your holiday table, this homemade dressing hits all the right notes: soft inside, slightly crisp on top, and full of savory herb flavor. You don’t need to roast a turkey to enjoy it—baked as a dressing it stands alone as a favorite side dish for any celebratory meal. Swap broths to match your main: chicken broth is traditional, but beef broth works beautifully with prime rib or a roasted beef roast.
This version keeps things uncomplicated and flexible. I like using a hearty multigrain loaf for texture and flavor, but sourdough, French bread, or a crusty white loaf all work well. If you have time and want extra depth, bake your own bread; otherwise, a bakery loaf will do the job. Avoid pre-packaged boxed stuffing mixes if you want fresher flavor and better texture.
Preparing this dressing is straightforward: toast the cubed bread, sauté aromatics in butter, combine with herbs and broth, then bake until set and lightly browned. The recipe can be stuffed into a bird as stuffing or baked separately as dressing. If you do choose to stuff a bird, be sure the internal temperature of the filling reaches a safe level.
Simple Homemade Herbed Holiday Dressing
Delicious and traditional, this herbed holiday dressing can be baked and served on its own or used to stuff poultry. It’s a timeless side dish that’s easy to customize to your family’s tastes.
10 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz bread, cubed
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sage
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon thyme
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (or substitute beef broth for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spread the cubed bread on a large baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even toasting. Use your preferred bread—multigrain, sourdough, or a crusty white loaf all work well.
- While the bread toasts, melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped celery and diced onion until softened. Stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, garlic salt, onion powder, parsley, and thyme. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Transfer the toasted bread to a large bowl. Add the butter, onion, celery, and herb mixture, tossing to coat the bread evenly. Gradually stir in the chicken broth until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. If you prefer firmer texture, use a bit less broth; for creamier dressing, add slightly more.
- For dressing, place the mixture into a greased oven-safe baking dish and bake at 325°F for 30–40 minutes, until set and lightly browned on top. If using as in-the-bird stuffing, gently fill the cleaned cavity and be sure the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 | Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate):
Calories: 226 | Total Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 510mg | Carbohydrates: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 4g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate. If you need precise information for medical reasons, please consult a trusted source or dietitian.
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Category: Side Dish
Tips and variations: For added richness, stir in a beaten egg before baking. Add cooked sausage or diced apples for extra flavor and texture. If making ahead, assemble the dressing and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; bake until heated through and the top is golden. Leftovers reheat well in a covered dish in the oven or briefly in the microwave.
This straightforward herbed dressing offers a warm, nostalgic touch to any holiday table. It’s easy to scale, simple to customize with herbs or add-ins, and reliably delicious—perfect for holiday hosting or any family dinner where comfort food is welcome.