Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing is a beloved, nostalgic dish that brings warmth and tradition to the holiday table. Made with simple pantry staples like saltine crackers, eggs, onions, celery, and rich broth, this dressing offers a uniquely crisp-yet-tender texture that sets it apart from modern bread stuffings. It’s humble, hearty, and full of old-fashioned flavor that generations have cherished.
Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing:
This comforting side dish embodies the heart of classic home cooking — a recipe passed down through families, perfected over time, and served with love. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing will add a touch of vintage charm and authentic Southern comfort to your feast.
History:
Cracker dressing dates back to the early 1900s when saltine crackers became a common kitchen staple. Before packaged bread cubes and cornbread mixes were widely available, thrifty home cooks used crushed crackers as a substitute for bread in stuffings and dressings. Over time, this dish became especially popular in Southern and Midwestern households, where it often appeared alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Its simplicity and rich flavor made it a holiday favorite that continues to hold a special place in American comfort food history.
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Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 45–50 crackers), crushed
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and cook onions and celery until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Crackers: In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers with sautéed vegetables.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Eggs and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with broth, then pour over the cracker mixture. Stir until evenly moistened. Add more broth if mixture seems dry.
- Bake: Pour into prepared dish and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm alongside roast turkey or chicken.
Notes
- Saltines create a delicate, flaky texture that’s lighter than bread dressing.
- Adjust broth amount depending on how moist you prefer your dressing.
- Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or boiled eggs for extra flavor.
- Use turkey drippings instead of broth for deeper taste.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Tips for Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing:
- Crush crackers finely for a smoother texture, or leave chunks for more crunch.
- Add a dash of sage or thyme for an aromatic Southern flavor.
- Mix ingredients gently — overmixing can make it dense.
- Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for better flavor blending.
FAQ’s for Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing:
Q1. Can I use Ritz crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, but reduce the butter slightly since Ritz crackers are richer.
Q2. Can I make this dressing in advance?
Definitely. Prepare it a day ahead, refrig
Similar, but dressing is baked separately from the turkey, while stuffing is cooked inside it.
Q4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
Q5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Conclusion:
Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing is the perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and nostalgia. With its buttery flavor, crisp top, and tender center, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. This timeless recipe is proof that the best dishes don’t need fancy ingredients — just care, tradition, and love. Bring this classic back to your holiday table and enjoy the taste of true homemade goodness.