Tired of the same old Thanksgiving stuffing or dressing? This year, elevate your side dish game with this stunning and flavorful Bundt pan dressing recipe! It's surprisingly easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your guests. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, even if you're short on time. Get ready for homemade cooking at its finest! This is one of those delicious dishes you'll want to make year after year.
Why a Bundt Pan?
Using a Bundt pan offers several advantages when making dressing. The beautiful presentation alone makes it a showstopper! But beyond aesthetics, the fluted sides create lovely, individual portions, and the even cooking ensures a perfectly moist and tender dressing every time. This is also a fantastic way to get creative with your homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best!)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries (optional, for added sweetness and color)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, until mushrooms are tender. This step builds the flavor base of your dressing.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and cubed bread. Gently toss to ensure the bread is evenly moistened. Don't overmix; you want some texture. Stir in parsley and cranberries (if using).
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Prepare the Bundt Pan: Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Bake: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Pour melted butter evenly over the top.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Cool and Serve: Let the dressing cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter. This allows it to set slightly.
Tips for the Best Bundt Pan Dressing:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or marjoram.
- Add-ins: Toasted nuts, sausage, or even apples would be delicious additions. Get creative!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dressing a few hours ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add some vegetarian sausage crumbles for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used but generally, a serving of this Bundt pan dressing will contain approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Bundt pan dressing recipe is a perfect example of how simple changes can create a stunning and memorable dish. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next Thanksgiving feast or any other special occasion. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!