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Classic Bread Dressing

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 12 hours
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb loaf of french bread or artisan bread cut into half inch cubes (should have about 10-12 cups)
  • 8 Tbsp butter (divided)
  • 3 C onions diced to 1/4 inch
  • 2 C celery (including inner leaves) diced
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh sage chopped (or 1 1/2 tsp dry)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme chopped (or 1 1/2 tsp dry)
  • 1 tsp celery seeds
  • pinch ground nutmeg
  • pinch ground cloves
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 2 C homemade or low sodium chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Leave bread cubes out uncovered on a sheet pan overnight to dry out. (Alternatively bake the cubes in 275 degree oven for 30 minutes until dry but not golden).
  • In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat melt 4 Tbsp butter. Add the onions, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, celery seeds, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 10 minutes. (Do not brown vegetables). Set aside to let cool.
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl toss the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and season with pepper.
  • Melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter. Brush the inside of a 3 Qt baking dish with some of the melted butter. Pour the remaining butter, along with the broth, over the dressing. Toss well. Spread dressing into the baking dish in an even layer. Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until the top is crisp and golden, another 20-30 minutes.
  • Enjoy!