Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a warm, comforting dish of homemade dressing. The rich aroma of butter, fresh herbs, and toasted bread baking in the oven is enough to bring everyone to the table. This old-fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe is everything you love about the holiday—simple, flavorful, and packed with nostalgia.
Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey, chicken, or a plant-based main dish, this dressing is the perfect companion. Its crispy golden top and moist, savory interior make it a crowd-pleaser that guests will request year after year.
The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and can even be prepped ahead of time to make your holiday stress-free. Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable!
Table of Contents
Why This Dressing Deserves a Spot on Your Thanksgiving Table
Some recipes come and go, but a perfectly made Thanksgiving dressing is a tradition worth keeping. This classic dish is more than just a side—it’s the heart of the holiday meal, bringing together rich, buttery flavors with the perfect balance of herbs and spices.
What Makes This Dressing Special?
- Time-Tested Tradition – Inspired by old-fashioned Southern and homemade recipes, this dressing has all the comforting flavors you remember.
- Crispy on Top, Moist Inside – The golden-brown crust gives way to a tender, flavorful center infused with butter and broth.
- Pairs Perfectly with Any Main Dish – Whether you’re serving turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, this Thanksgiving dressing recipe complements every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Save time on Thanksgiving Day by prepping it in advance—just bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable to Your Taste – Add sausage, nuts, cranberries, or cornbread to make it uniquely yours.
If you love classic holiday flavors, try our Easy Date Nut Bread Recipe for a sweet and nutty treat that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving spread.
A good Thanksgiving dressing is like a warm hug on a plate—simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday tradition in your home!
Printable Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe for Your Holiday Table
Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe (Classic & Easy!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This old-fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe is rich, buttery, and packed with holiday flavor. Made with toasted bread, fresh herbs, and a savory broth, it has a crispy golden crust and a soft, moist interior. Perfect for serving alongside turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian main dish, this dressing is a holiday favorite that’s easy to make and can even be prepped ahead of time.
Ingredients
10 cups bread cubes (sourdough, French bread, cornbread, or a mix)
½ cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup cooked sausage, crumbled
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet.
Let them dry overnight, or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisp.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Combine and Moisten the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and sautéed vegetable mixture.
Pour in chicken broth gradually, stirring to coat. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
Add beaten eggs and mix well.
Bake Until Golden
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Rest and Serve
Let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread – It absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
Adjust the broth amount – Start with 2 cups and add more as needed.
For extra crispiness, bake uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
Make it ahead – Assemble the dressing up to 2 days in advance and bake before serving.
Vegetarian option – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe, chicken dressing, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday dressing, homemade stuffing
Pro Tips for a Thanksgiving Dressing That Steals the Show
A well-made Thanksgiving dressing is all about texture, moisture, and flavor balance. These expert tips will ensure your dressing turns out perfect every time.
- Choose the right bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. If using fresh bread, toast it first to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté aromatics properly – Cooking onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant enhances the depth of flavor.
- Add broth gradually – The dressing should be moist but not soggy. Start with 2 cups and adjust as needed.
- Eggs for structure – Adding eggs helps bind the ingredients together, preventing the dressing from falling apart.
- Bake covered, then uncovered – Covering the dish during the first half of baking ensures even cooking, while uncovering at the end creates a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Customize to your taste – Add sausage, nuts, or dried fruit for a unique twist.
Need a plant-based option? Our Easy Vegan Bread Recipe is soft, fluffy, and makes a great base for a dairy-free and egg-free dressing.
“The best Thanksgiving dressing is a balance of crispiness on top, tenderness inside, and just the right amount of seasoning.”
Thanksgiving Dressing FAQs: Answers to Your Top Questions
What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?
Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey, allowing it to absorb juices from the bird as it roasts. Dressing, on the other hand, is baked separately in a casserole dish, resulting in a slightly crispier top and a more even texture. This recipe follows the classic baked dressing method for the best balance of moisture and crispiness.
Can I make Thanksgiving dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dressing up to two days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This makes Thanksgiving prep easier without compromising flavor or texture.
How do I keep my dressing from being too dry or too soggy?
If too dry: Gradually add more warm broth, one-quarter cup at a time, until the dressing reaches the desired consistency.
If too soggy: Spread the dressing in a thinner layer and bake uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate.
What type of bread works best for Thanksgiving dressing?
A mix of stale sourdough, French bread, and cornbread works best for texture and depth of flavor. The bread should be slightly dried out so it can absorb the broth without becoming mushy. If using fresh bread, toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes before assembling the dressing.
Can I add extra ingredients to customize my dressing?
Absolutely! Many families add ingredients to make their dressing unique. Some great options include:
Sausage or bacon for a hearty, savory boost.
Dried cranberries for a subtle sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Mushrooms for a deeper, umami-rich flavor.
Can I freeze Thanksgiving dressing?
Yes! To freeze before baking, assemble the dressing, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
A Thanksgiving Classic That Brings Everyone Together
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it’s a time to gather, share traditions, and create lasting memories around the table. This old-fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe is a dish that embodies that spirit, bringing together rich, buttery flavors, warm herbs, and the perfect balance of textures.
Whether you’re serving it with turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian main, this dressing is a holiday staple you’ll want to make year after year. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and make-ahead friendly—helping you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
So go ahead, give this Thanksgiving dressing recipe a try, and make it your own. Add your favorite mix-ins, prep it in advance, and enjoy every bite of this warm, comforting holiday favorite.
“A great Thanksgiving meal is made with love, tradition, and a side of perfectly seasoned dressing.”