Description
Master the art of stuffed turkey with this foolproof recipe that balances moisture, flavor, and food safety, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 2 cups bread cubes (sourdough or cornbread)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your turkey: Remove the turkey from refrigeration 1 hour before cooking. Remove giblets and neck, rinse, and pat dry.
- Create the stuffing base: Melt butter in a skillet, add onions and celery, and cook until softened. Add herbs and cook for 1 minute.
- Complete the stuffing mixture: Combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, diced apple, and seasonings in a bowl. Pour in 1½ cups broth and eggs; mix gently.
- Stuff and truss the turkey: Loosely fill the cavities, secure the skin with skewers, and tie legs together.
- Prepare for roasting: Place turkey breast side up in a roasting pan, brush with butter, and season.
- Roast to perfection: Preheat oven to 325°F. Roast until the thigh reaches 180°F and stuffing reaches 165°F.
- Rest before carving: Allow the turkey to rest for 30-45 minutes to redistribute juices.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating more vegetables like mushrooms into the stuffing or using wild rice or quinoa for added nutrients. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
Keywords: stuffed turkey, Thanksgiving, holiday recipe, roast turkey, meat