Perfectly Golden Poultry Dressing: A Make-Ahead Side Dish

Poultry Dressing: A Classic and Convenient Side Dish

Description

This cherished recipe has been a staple in our kitchen for many years, earning accolades as a grand prize winner in a Canadian Living magazine competition for side dishes. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal companion for chicken or pork chops. What sets it apart is its versatility and convenience; it can be prepared ahead of time, frozen, and then easily sliced and browned when needed. A true time-saver for busy days, this poultry dressing combines wholesome ingredients into a delicious, comforting side.

Ingredients

• 6 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cups bread, torn into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes:
   Begin by placing the potatoes in a large saucepan filled with boiling salted water. Cover the pot and cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Zesty Tex Mex Beer Marinade: Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite!
   • 
     Golden Pecan Toffee Bliss Bars 🌟
   • 
     Zesty Thai Cucumber Delight
   • 
     Golden Tangy Honey Mustard

2. Mash the Potatoes:
   Add the butter to the hot potatoes and use a potato masher to mash them until they are smooth and creamy. The warmth of the potatoes will help the butter melt completely, creating a rich, buttery base.

3. Prepare the Dressing Mixture:
   Tear the bread into small pieces and add it to the mashed potatoes. Next, incorporate the finely chopped onion, white sugar, brown sugar, molasses, dried sage, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined, creating a cohesive dressing mixture.

4. Pack and Chill:
   Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For convenience, you can also use shortening boxes lined with wax paper as mentioned in the original recipe. Chill the packed dressing in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

5. Freeze (Optional):
   At this stage, if you prefer to make the dressing in advance, you can freeze it. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. This makes it easy to have a homemade side dish on hand whenever needed.

6. Cook the Dressing:
   When you’re ready to serve the dressing, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Slice the chilled dressing into portions and place them in the pan. Lightly brown each side of the slices in the melted butter, which should take about 5 minutes per side. This step adds a delicious golden crust to the dressing, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 145.5
• Fat: 4.1g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 10.2mg
• Sodium: 160.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 25.4g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugar: 4.5g
• Protein: 2.6g

Serving Suggestions

This poultry dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, particularly chicken and pork chops. Its comforting flavor profile and smooth texture make it a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast. Enjoy the convenience of having this dressing ready to go from your freezer, making meal preparation a breeze.

Bon appétit! 🍽️