Introducing the delectable Southern Hen Dressing, a cherished holiday favorite straight from the heart of culinary tradition, as passed down from the esteemed Twentieth Century Club Cookbook of Gilmer, Texas! This timeless recipe is a testament to the joyous spirit of festive gatherings, perfect for Christmas celebrations or any occasion where warm, comforting flavors are welcomed with open arms. Not only does this dish hold its own as a star on the holiday table, but it also boasts the convenience of freezing well, ensuring that its delightful essence can be savored time and time again.
With a prep time of 40 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, totaling 1 hour and 20 minutes, this Southern Hen Dressing recipe beckons you to embark on a culinary journey brimming with tantalizing aromas and homely goodness. Bursting with flavors that evoke memories of cherished family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.
Let’s dive into the ingredients that weave together the magic of this Southern Hen Dressing: four vibrant onions, two stalks of celery, 2 1/2 portions of oleo, 2 1/2 portions of butter, a quarter cup of eggs, six cups of rich chicken broth, two packets of soup, four green onions, and the essential elements of cornbread, crackers, and biscuits, crumbled to perfection.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, mix together the crumbled cornbread, crackers, and biscuits, laying the foundation for a symphony of flavors to unfold. Next, heat 2 1/2 cups of broth to a lively boil, infusing it with the essence of savory goodness that will elevate every bite. Pour this ambrosial broth into the awaiting mixture of bread, crackers, and biscuits, allowing the ingredients to meld into a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Meanwhile, let the onions and celery simmer in a fragrant medley of oleo and the remainder of the broth until they glisten with clarity, infusing the dish with layers of aromatic richness. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and soup, creating a luscious base that will bind the flavors together in a velvety embrace. Incorporate the onion-celery mixture, the egg-soup blend, and the remaining broth into the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure that every ingredient is enveloped in the warmth of culinary camaraderie.
As the symphony of flavors comes together, sprinkle in the seasonings and the vibrant green onions, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness that will delight the senses. Mix the ingredients with care, allowing each element to shine while melding harmoniously with its counterparts. Adjust the consistency to your preference by adding additional broth, whether you prefer a drier or juicier dressing, ensuring that every mouthful is tailored to your culinary desires.
With the preparation complete, pour the savory mixture into a generously greased 9x13x2 baking dish, ready to embark on its journey to golden perfection. Slide the dish into the welcoming embrace of a preheated oven set to 350°F, where it will undergo a transformative journey, emerging gloriously golden and lightly browned after 30 to 40 minutes of baking.
As the aroma of Southern Hen Dressing fills the air, heralding the arrival of a culinary masterpiece, gather your loved ones around the table and prepare to indulge in a feast for the senses. With each forkful of this beloved holiday dish, savor the memories of seasons past and the promise of gatherings yet to come, knowing that the spirit of togetherness and culinary excellence infuses every bite.
Generously serving 12, this Southern Hen Dressing recipe embodies the spirit of hospitality and abundance, inviting all who partake to experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season. So, embrace tradition, celebrate the flavors of the South, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight the palate and nourish the soul.
