Best Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe

Introduction to Thanksgiving Dressing

Thanksgiving dressing, often referred to as stuffing, is a traditional dish served during the American holiday of Thanksgiving. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, from simple bread mixes to more elaborate recipes involving meats, vegetables, and dried fruits. In this article, Ree Drummond shares her take on a classic cornbread dressing that combines the best of both worlds: moist and crunchy.

## Ingredients and Preparation

When making Thanksgiving dressing, the choice of ingredients can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and regional traditions. Some common ingredients include:

–

Bread

: Often a mix of different types, such as cornbread, Italian bread, and French bread.
–

Aromatics

: Onions and celery are staples, providing flavor and texture.
–

Herbs

: Fresh parsley and rosemary add depth to the dish.
–

Broth

: Chicken broth is used to moisten the bread, ensuring it doesn’t become too dry.
–

Butter

: This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Why These Ingredients?

–

Cornbread

: Adds a delicious sweetness and texture, complementing the savory flavors of the other breads.
–

Italian and French Bread

: Provides a contrasting texture with the cornbread, maintaining crunchiness.
–

Onion and Celery

: These aromatics are sautéed in butter to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
–

Herbs

: Fresh parsley and rosemary add freshness and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Should You Stuff Your Turkey with Dressing or Not?

Stuffling the turkey with dressing can be a topic of debate. While it can add flavor to both the turkey and the dressing, it also presents some risks. Chiefly, there’s the risk of uneven cooking times, which can lead to unsafe food temperatures. Additionally, stuffing inside the turkey tends to steam rather than crisp, resulting in a less appealing texture.

Baking in a Casserole Dish

Ree Drummond recommends baking the dressing in a casserole dish instead of stuffing it inside the turkey. This method ensures that the dressing cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust on top, while remaining moist in the middle. It also simplifies the cooking process by allowing you to monitor and adjust the dressing’s doneness independently of the turkey.

Should Thanksgiving Dressing Be Soft or Crispy?

For many, the ideal dressing is one that achieves a balance between these two textures. You want the top to be golden and crispy, while the middle remains soft and moist. This can be achieved by using large chunks of bread and managing the amount of broth you add; too much broth can make the dressing soggy.

## Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture:

–

Dry Bread

: Ensure that your bread is dry before adding the wet ingredients. This helps prevent sogginess.
–

Adjust Broth Amount

: Add broth gradually, mixing well, until you achieve your desired level of moisture.
–

Crunchy Top

: Use a moderate to high oven temperature to crisp up the top layer.

Ree Drummond’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe

This recipe combines cornbread, Italian bread, and French bread with sautéed onions and celery, along with herbs and chicken broth. Below is an overview of the steps involved in making this delicious dish.

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cups of cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups of Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 1 tsp of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:
1.

Preheat Oven

: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.

Drying Bread

: Place the bread cubes on trays and let them dry out for a day or two. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess in the dressing.
3.

Sauté Onions and Celery

: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
4.

Add Herbs and Broth

: Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and stir well to combine.
5.

Combine Bread and Broth Mix

: Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the broth mixture over the bread, tossing until the bread is evenly coated but not soggy.
6.

Bake

: Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is heated through.
7.

Garnish

: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Benefits of Baking in a Casserole Dish

Baking the dressing separately offers several advantages:

–

Even Cooking

: Ensures that the dressing cooks consistently throughout.
–

Texture Control

: Allows for a crispy top and moist interior.
–

Safety

: Reduces the risk of undercooked or overcooked spots.
–

Flexibility

: Can be prepared and baked independently of the turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best type of bread for Thanksgiving dressing?

A: A mix of cornbread, Italian bread, and French bread provides a nice balance of textures and flavors.

Q: Should I dry my bread before making the dressing?

A: Yes, drying the bread helps prevent sogginess and ensures a better texture in the finished dressing.

Q: How do I prevent my dressing from becoming too dry?

A: Monitor the amount of broth you add and adjust based on your preference for moisture. Also, covering the dish with foil during baking can help retain moisture.

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the bread and broth mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the dressing just before serving to ensure the best texture.