Best Dressing Recipe for Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t complete without a warm, savory dish of dressing on the table. This classic Southern-style dressing is everything you want in a holiday side: rich with herbs, buttery soft on the inside, and perfectly golden on top. Whether you’re hosting the feast or bringing a dish to share, this dressing is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of both cornbread and white bread, creating a beautiful balance of texture and flavor. The addition of sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and aromatic herbs makes it deeply comforting. This is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from Grandma, and it’s the perfect complement to turkey, gravy, and all the fixings.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

For a flavorful and moist dressing, a mix of homemade cornbread and day-old white sandwich bread works best. The cornbread brings a slightly sweet and crumbly texture, while the white bread adds softness and helps bind everything together. Just make sure the breads are dry or slightly stale so they soak up all the broth and seasonings without turning mushy.

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Ingredients for the Best Dressing Recipe for Thanksgiving

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 4 cups cubed day-old white bread
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage or shredded cooked chicken

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How To Make the Best Dressing Recipe for Thanksgiving

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread. Set aside to dry out slightly while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pour the cooked veggies and melted butter over the bread mixture. Add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk together the chicken broth and eggs in a separate bowl, then pour over the bread mixture. Stir gently until well combined. If using sausage or chicken, fold it in now.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

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How to Serve and Store Thanksgiving Dressing

Serve this dressing piping hot straight from the oven, ideally paired with roasted turkey and gravy. It’s also fantastic alongside green beans, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F, covered, until warmed through.

To freeze, cool the baked dressing completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh on the day of.

Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of homemade bread?

You can, but it will change the texture. Homemade bread gives it that signature comforting feel.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed egg or skip them entirely if needed, though the dressing may be less cohesive.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries make wonderful additions for texture and a hint of sweetness.

How do I keep it from getting too soggy?

Make sure your bread is dry, and don’t overdo the broth. You want the mixture moist but not soaked.

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Want More Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this savory, herbed dressing, you might also enjoy:

• Corn Pudding Recipe for a touch of creamy sweetness.
• Oven Roasted Root Vegetables with caramelized edges.
• Funeral Potatoes loaded with cheesy goodness.
• Giant Zucchini Parmesan for a comforting veggie side.
• Broccoli Salad for a crunchy, tangy balance to rich dishes.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it every Thanksgiving.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you go with sausage or keep it vegetarian? Did you toss in something unexpected like apples or chestnuts?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable together.

Need more inspiration? Visit my Pinterest for fresh daily ideas: Nina Dishes Pinterest

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