Description
This sage dressing recipe features a perfectly crispy, golden-brown top and savory herbs, making it a comforting side dish for holiday feasts or Sunday dinners. It is a family-friendly meal that brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
- 8–10 cups stale bread, 1-inch cubes (French bread, sourdough, or gluten-free)
- 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
- 1 large onion (approx. 200 g), chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks (approx. 150 g), chopped
- 2–3 Tbsp (10–15 g) fresh sage, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3–4 cups (700–950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (optional; omit for egg-free/vegan)
- 1–2 Tbsp milk or extra broth (optional, for moisture)
Instructions
- Cube and Dry Bread: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes (8-10 cups). Spread on a large baking sheet and air dry overnight, or toast at 250°F (120°C) for 15-20 minutes until dry to the touch, preventing sogginess.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a 10-inch skillet, melt 4 Tbsp (56g) butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery. Sauté 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Herbs and Broth: Stir in fresh chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups (470ml) broth, simmering briefly. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix dried bread cubes, sautéed aromatics, and broth mixture. If using, fold in lightly beaten eggs. Gently mix until bread is moist, but not mushy. If it looks too dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp milk or extra broth.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with remaining butter (4 Tbsp/56g).
- Bake Dressing: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Notes
For optimal flavor and texture, use day-old sourdough or French bread, ensuring it is well-dried to prevent sogginess. Adjust moisture with warm broth if needed. For a crispier top, consider a brief broil at the end. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. For dietary needs, use gluten-free bread, plant-based butter (dairy-free/vegan), or omit eggs (egg-free/vegan). Consider adding a splash of apple cider for extra tang.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg