Freezer-Friendly Turkey Dressing Recipes

Freeze your favorite dressing to prevent the last-minute scramble before holiday meals.|Charla Draper

The family-friendly flavors of Sage Cornbread Dressing (which starts with buttermilk cornbread mix) garnered rave reviews in our Test Kitchen.

You can thaw Sage Cornbread Dressing and its variations overnight in the refrigerator; then bake it about 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving.

• Sage Cornbread Dressing
• Sausage Dressing
• Oyster Dressing

Avoid an eleventh hour rush during the holidays by putting some of the recipes you plan to serve in the freezer. Sage Cornbread Dressing is a great choice to prep and freeze unbaked because this seasonal favorite requires very little last-minute preparation. The savory recipe is made with traditional ingredients of cornbread, celery, onions, eggs, sage, and chicken broth; you can also add sausage or oysters to suit your family's preferences.

Seven Timely Tips for Easy Entertaining
1. Plan your menu ahead, and make a shopping list.
2. If you're cooking a whole turkey, determine the size you need before heading to the grocery store. Allow about 1½ lb. per person (which will include leftovers).
3. Shop for the nonperishables two weeks in advance. If you need a large turkey (more than 20 lb.), you may want to go ahead and place an order with your grocer.
4. Make your dressing, desserts, and yeast rolls up to three months in advance, and freeze them.
5. Place the turkey on a tray in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow 24 hours for every 4 lb. of turkey.
6. Place your frozen dressing, dessert, and rolls in the refrigerator to thaw 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Allow any of the unbaked items to stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
7. If your holiday meal will be an informal affair, give your guests an excuse to gather in the kitchen. (That's where they like to be anyway!) An island makes an ideal serving bar.

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http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/freeze-favorite-dressing-00400000005508/