An Herby, Nutty Dressing That’ll Be a Staple This Thanksgiving

Stuffing (often also referred to as dressing) is arguably one of the highlights of Thanksgiving. This classic side is usually made once a year, so it better deliver. Although stuffing has been a member of the Thanksgiving table since the 19th century, other variations of the traditional dish have popped up, like dressing. But what exactly is the difference between the two?

What’s the Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?

In 2019, the terms stuffing and dressing are basically interchangeable, with one key difference: Stuffing is cooked inside a turkey, while dressing is made in a casserole dish. But lately cooks are swapping the usual stuffing for dressing for a few reasons. While the USDA says it’s OK to cook stuffing inside your bird, it’s crucial that it’s cooked to the right temperature (165˚F), or you run the risk of contaminating it. In addition to safety, stuffing can run the risk of becoming too soggy inside the bird.

Related Reading: Slab Pies to Feed a Crowd This Thanksgiving

Dressing, on the other hand, is aesthetically more pleasing because it’s prepared in a pan, has a better texture (and some would say flavor), and if you have vegetarian or vegan friends at your table, it’s easy to make it veg-friendly.

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Using Day-Old Bread is Best for Dressing

Dressing is one of the few dishes where using day-old bread is preferable. Fresh bread will get too saturated from the stock, resulting in a soggy dressing. If you forgot to leave bread out on the counter (it’s Thanksgiving, it happens!), it’s easy to dry out in under half an hour. Preheat the oven to 350˚F and bake roughly torn pieces of bread on a sheet tray for about 25-30 minutes until the bread is lightly golden and dried out. This method works for all types of bread, including sourdough, challah, brioche, and even cornbread. 

The Key to Brown Butter

Many chefs call brown butter liquid gold. It’s got a nutty, caramelized flavor that can transform sweet or savory dishes to have more depth of flavor. The process goes fast, so don’t step away from the stove! For this recipe, wait until the butter turns a pale golden brown—that’s how you’ll know it’s ready to be incorporated into the dressing.

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Brown Butter Herb and Walnut Dressing Recipe

Herb dressing is fairly traditional, but this version takes the flavor up a notch thanks to nutty brown butter, a handful of fresh herbs, and lots of garlic.

Brown Butter Herb and Walnut Dressing

Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 2 hoursServes: 8-10

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1 medium fresh or day-old sourdough loaf, about 10 cups, roughly torn into ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 ̊F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. If using fresh bread, place the torn bread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread feels dried out.
3. Add the butter to a large pan over medium heat until melted. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter is golden brown with brown flecks at the bottom of the pan, and smells nutty and aromatic.
4. Reduce heat to medium low and add the onions and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Add the walnuts, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary and stir for 1 minute then remove from the heat. Add the bread and stir to combine.
7. In a glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk the chicken or vegetable stock, eggs, salt, and pepper.
8. Transfer the bread mixture to the greased baking dish, then pour the stock mixture evenly over the bread.
9. Let stand for 10 minutes at room temperature.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

For more Thanksgiving tips, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide and our Ultimate Guide to Friendsgiving.

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