Savory Slow-Cooker Holiday Dressing
This savory dressing recipe, lovingly passed down from my sister Terry, has graced our holiday tables for years. Whipped up in a convenient slow cooker, it combines the earthy flavors of sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms with the classic essence of poultry seasoning, delivering a mouthwatering side that complements any festive spread. Versatile and accommodating, this recipe allows for variations; feel free to add your favorite herbs or additional ingredients, making it your own. Perfect for family gatherings, this comforting dressing is sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions.
14
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (melted)
onions
2 cups (chopped)
celery
2 cups (chopped)
parsley sprig
1/2 cup (chopped)
mushrooms
2 (8 ounce) cans (drained and chopped)
bread cubes and/or cornbread
12-13 cups (slightly dry)
poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
eggs
2 (well beaten)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
marjoram (optional)
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chicken or turkey broth
3 1/2 - 4 1/2 cups (with diced giblets optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, parsley, and mushrooms, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the slightly dry bread cubes (and/or cornbread).
3
Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, salt, sage, dried thyme, pepper, and optional marjoram over the bread mixture. Toss well to combine, ensuring that the bread absorbs the flavors.
4
Pour in enough broth to moisten the bread mixture, then add the well-beaten eggs. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
5
Lightly pack the dressing mixture into the crock pot. Cover and set the cooker to high for 45 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for 4 to 8 hours. Stir occasionally, checking to ensure the dressing remains moist, adding more broth if necessary.
6
When the cooking time is up, the dressing should be tender and flavorful, ready to serve alongside your holiday feast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provided the original inspiration for this Savory Slow-Cooker Holiday Dressing?
The recipe was lovingly passed down from the creator's sister, Terry, and has been a holiday staple for many years.
How many servings does this dressing recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 14 people.
Can I use different types of bread for this dressing?
Yes, you can use slightly dry bread cubes, cornbread, or a combination of both to suit your preference.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
Start by cooking on high for 45 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 4 to 8 hours.
How do I prepare the vegetables before adding them to the bread?
Chop the onions, celery, parsley, and mushrooms, then sauté them in butter for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
Is it necessary to use canned mushrooms?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce cans of mushrooms, drained and chopped, but you can likely substitute fresh if desired.
What spices are essential for this holiday dressing?
The classic flavor comes from poultry seasoning, sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Is marjoram a required ingredient?
No, marjoram is listed as an optional ingredient to add if you enjoy its specific herbal profile.
How much butter is needed for the vegetable sauté?
The recipe uses 1 cup of butter to sauté the onions, celery, and mushrooms.
What type of broth is recommended for moistening the bread?
You can use either chicken or turkey broth, depending on your holiday main course.
How many eggs are included in the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 well-beaten eggs to help bind the dressing together.
Should the bread cubes be fresh or dry?
The recipe recommends using slightly dry bread cubes so they can better absorb the broth and seasonings.
What should I do if the dressing looks dry while cooking?
Check the dressing occasionally and add more broth as needed to ensure it remains moist.
Is it okay to stir the dressing while it is in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should stir the dressing occasionally to check for moisture and ensure even cooking.
Can I add meat to this dressing?
The recipe suggests that adding diced giblets to the broth is an optional and delicious variation.
How much poultry seasoning should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning to provide the traditional holiday essence.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step is melting butter in a large skillet and sautéing the chopped vegetables.
How much onion and celery is required?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions and 2 cups of chopped celery.
What is the total volume of bread needed?
The recipe requires between 12 and 13 cups of bread cubes or cornbread.
Can this recipe be customized?
Yes, it is a versatile recipe that allows you to add your favorite herbs or additional ingredients to make it your own.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving favorite and is perfect for any festive holiday spread.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized under Christmas dishes but is appropriate for any holiday gathering.
How much salt and sage are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sage.
What is the approximate amount of broth needed?
The recipe suggests between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups of chicken or turkey broth.
How much parsley is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped parsley sprigs.
What size are the mushroom cans?
The recipe uses two 8-ounce cans of mushrooms.
Does this dressing contain sugar?
Based on the ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this considered a vegetarian dish?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, you must use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
What texture should the final dressing have?
The final dressing should be tender, flavorful, and sufficiently moist.
How do you ensure the seasonings are well distributed?
Sprinkle the seasonings over the bread mixture and toss well before adding the broth and eggs.