1-First Step: Prepare the bread base Start by preheating your oven to 350°F if you plan to bake the dressing right away. Spread the dry bread cubes on a large baking sheet or in a big bowl and set them aside. If your bread is not fully dry, you can leave the cubes out for a few hours or toast them lightly so they are sturdy enough to soak up the liquid later.

2-Second Step: Cook the vegetables in butter Place the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, add the chopped celery and diced yellow onion. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant but not browned. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning.

3-Third Step: Mix the bread and aromatics Pour the buttery celery and onion mixture over the bread cubes. Toss gently so the seasonings spread evenly through the bread. In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken stock and eggs together until smooth, then pour that mixture over the bread as well. Use a large spoon or your hands to fold everything together carefully. You want the bread to be evenly moistened, but not mashed. If the mixture looks dry, add a small splash more stock. If it looks too wet, let it sit for a few minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.

4-Fourth Step: Transfer to the baking dish Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish or similar casserole dish. Spoon the dressing mixture into the dish and spread it out in an even layer. Do not press it down too firmly, because the dressing needs a little space so the top can crisp while the center stays soft. If you are serving a crowd, you can divide the mixture between two smaller pans. That works well for family gatherings when one pan may go into the oven early and the other later.

5-Fifth Step: Bake until golden and set Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center feels set. The dressing should be hot all the way through and not wet in the middle.

6-Final Step: Rest and serve Let the turkey dressing sit for 10 minutes before serving. This short rest helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to spoon onto plates. Serve it beside roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, or mashed potatoes.