Turkey, Dressing & Gravy
Thanksgiving is often the most stressful meal of the year, but it doesn’t have to be. Discover my simple, tried-and-true recipes for a perfectly juicy oven-bag turkey, classic crock-pot cornbread dressing, and the silkiest gravy that will make your holiday both delicious and completely stress-free.
This guide walks you through everything you need for a no-stress, flavor-packed Thanksgiving: tender oven-roasted turkey, classic Southern cornbread dressing (made easily in your crock pot), and luscious homemade gravy. With approachable instructions and everyday ingredients, anyone can cook this unforgettable holiday meal—plus, you’ll get my go-to recipe for easy homemade cream of chicken soup, the secret behind that rich flavor.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—not when you can make the stars of the meal together with simple, clear guidance. Whether it’s your first turkey, or you just want a stress-free way to cook for family, this step-by-step post brings Southern holiday classics right to your own table. From juicy turkey roasted in an oven bag to impossibly fluffy crock pot dressing and silky gravy, each recipe uses straightforward techniques, pantry staples, and a dose of encouragement. You’ll also find a link to my scratch-made cream of chicken soup—a true secret weapon for both dressing and gravy that will have your family asking for seconds.
Roasted Turkey in an Oven Bag
- Prep: Thaw your turkey fully and remove the bag of giblets and neck from the cavity.
- Season: Sprinkle dry minced onion inside a prepared oven bag dusted with flour. Rub your turkey with a salt and pepper mix for plenty of flavor.
- Roast: Place the bird in the oven bag, tie it securely, and roast at 350°F for about 2 hours for a 12-lb turkey. (Always check the oven bag instructions for weights and times.) Let rest, then slice for the juiciest meat.
Southern Cornbread Dressing (Crock Pot)
- Bread: Tear up plain white bread and homemade cornbread (make the cornbread a day ahead so it’s dry).
- Mix: Stir in celery, dry minced onion (or chopped fresh), sage, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until it looks like familiar dressing.
- Cook: Place everything in a greased crock pot, top with butter, and cook low and slow for 4 hours—stir once halfway through for even cooking and to avoid tough edges.
Simple Turkey Gravy
- Combine: Add turkey drippings to a pan with cream of chicken soup and whisk until smooth.
- Thicken: Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and whisk into the pan. Cook until bubbling and thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Generously spoon this savory gravy over turkey and dressing for a plate that tastes like home.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Having homemade cream of chicken soup on hand sets your meal apart—no cans required. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together with just flour, butter, broth, milk, and shredded chicken.
Click here for my cream of chicken soup recipe.
Can I use store-bought bread and cornbread?
Absolutely! Just make sure both are dry—they soak up the broth best this way.
Do I have to use an oven bag for turkey?
No, but it keeps the turkey extra juicy and makes cleanup easy. You can still follow the same seasoning steps in a regular roasting pan if needed.
What if I don’t have a crockpot for dressing?
Bake the dressing in a buttered casserole dish at 350°F until set and golden, stirring halfway through to avoid hard edges.
Can I make cream of chicken soup ahead?
Yes! It keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days, so you can prep it early and use it in several holiday dishes.
How do I know my turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Can the gravy be made gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening and double-check your broth and soup ingredients.
Thanksgiving is about making memories around the table, and nothing welcomes your loved ones like a plate of home-style turkey, golden cornbread dressing, and savory gravy—all made with a gentle hand and a grateful heart. If you’ve been nervous to cook a whole turkey or never tried homemade dressing before, this is your year to jump in and enjoy every step. Don’t forget: kindness is best when served with plenty of good food and a warm smile.
Simple Southern Thanksgiving: Turkey, Dressing, and Gravy
Ingredients
Roasted Turkey Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey about 12 lbs, adjust for your crowd
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons dry minced onion or to taste
- Salt and pepper mix equal parts coarse salt and coarse pepper
Cornbread Dressing Ingredients
- 8 slices plain white sandwich bread
- 4-5 cups dry homemade cornbread make a day ahead, use your favorite recipe
- 2 stalks celery chopped (optional)
- 2½ tablespoons dry minced onion or 1 medium fresh onion, chopped
- 1½ tablespoons rubbed sage to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 eggs beaten
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup or equivalent homemade
- 3 cups chicken broth prepared from bouillon, stock, or carton
- ¼ cup butter
Turkey Gravy Ingredients
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup or 3+ cups homemade
- Turkey drippings from oven bag about 1 cup or more, as available
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or flour
- Water
Instructions
Roasted Turkey Instructions
- Thaw turkey in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or submerge in cold water (change water every 30 minutes).
- Remove the bag of giblets and the neck from inside the turkey cavity.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place oven bag in a roasting pan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour inside.
- Sprinkle dry minced onion (about 1–2 tablespoons) into the bag for extra flavor.
- Generously rub the turkey all over with the salt and pepper mix.
- Place the turkey into the oven bag. (No need to stuff the bird—make dressing on the side!)
- Tie up the oven bag according to instructions. Make a few slits in the top to vent steam.
- Roast at 350°F. For 10–12 lbs, cook 1½–2 hours. For 12–16 lbs, cook 2–2¼ hours. (Check the oven bag box for time per weight).
- Let the turkey rest, still in the bag, for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cornbread Dressing Instructions
- Tear bread and cornbread into a large bowl.
- Add chopped celery (if using), dry minced onion, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs, then mix in.
- Add the cream of chicken soup (homemade or canned), and pour in chicken broth.
- Mix everything well until it looks like dressing.
- Grease a crock pot. Spread mixture in crock pot. Dot top with pieces of butter.
- Cook on low 4 hours (or high 2 hours). Halfway through, stir dressing to prevent hard edges and help even cooking.
- Dressing is done when hot and set, with golden edges. Serve hot.
Turkey Gravy Instructions
- Strain the turkey drippings from the oven bag into a saucepan.
- Whisk in condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth; bring to medium-high heat.
- If needed, add more turkey drippings for flavor and consistency.
- Mix corn starch with a little water to make a slurry. Whisk slurry into gravy to thicken.
- Continue cooking until bubbling and thick. Add more slurry for thicker gravy, as desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over turkey and dressing.
You did not add the milk to your homemade cream of chicken soup – but do you add it at some point before you put it in the dressing?
No, I use it in the condensed form. This is just like you would use from the canned version you buy!
If cooking stuffing dressing in the oven what would be the oven temperature & cooking time ?
I’ve always done mine in the crockpot, but here are the directions given for the oven.
Cook dressing in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil initially, then uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the top. The total time varies depending on the dish’s depth and how long it’s covered.
Made Sweet potatoes Casserole
I tried it was a big hit! thank you for sharing
Oh, we love it too! So glad your crew did. 🙂
What is the name of the cornbread mix you used for your dressing?
I use the Martha White Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix for my cornbread!