Best 10 Classic Stuffed Turkey Recipes

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The classic stuffed turkey is a centerpiece of many holiday gatherings. It is a culinary delight that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a great stuffed turkey is to ensure that the turkey is cooked thoroughly while the stuffing remains moist and flavorful. There are many different variations on the classic stuffed turkey recipe, but the basic steps are the same.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC STUFFED TURKEY



Classic Stuffed Turkey image

For years, my mother has made this moist stuffed turkey recipe. Now, I do the same thing. The turkey stuffing nicely compliments the tender, juicy slices of oven-roasted turkey. -Kathi Graham, Naperville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h5m

Yield 12 servings (10 cups stuffing).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 large onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup butter
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
Warm water
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
Melted butter

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute the onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Add broth and seasonings; mix well. Place bread cubes in a large bowl; add mushroom mixture and toss to coat. Stir in enough warm water to reach desired moistness. , Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey. Place any remaining stuffing in a greased baking dish; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter., Bake turkey, uncovered, at 325° for 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180° for the turkey and 165° for the stuffing, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), Bake additional stuffing, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cover turkey with foil and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571 calories, Fat 26g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 153mg cholesterol, Sodium 961mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 44g protein.

CLASSIC EASY TURKEY STUFFING



Classic Easy Turkey Stuffing image

This is an easy basic stuffing recipe, that will easily stuff a 12-14 pound turkey, I have stuffed a large roasting chicken also with this recipe. If you have any remaining stuffing just bake in a small buttered baking dish, or you may wish to bake the complete stuffing recipe in a casserole dish in a 325 degree oven, covered for about 25-30 minutes then uncover and bake for about 10-15 minutes more, or until lightly browned on top. For this recipe two (1 pound) loaves of bread is enough, I just use two 400-gram loaves, make certain that the bread is a couple days old but not mouldy, or you can place it in the refrigerator overnight to help firm up for slicing. Now to this basic stuffing you can add in raisins, water chestnuts, pecans etc. If you are serving this to a crowd and baking it in the oven, I suggest to double the ingredients and bake in two separate casseroles. Please use only butter for this stuffing. This is very good, and a recipe that you will use time and again! Just a suggestion, make up an extra unbaked stuffing mixture, it will freeze well in containers or freezer bags to serve later. To reheat, thaw and bake in a greased dish, rather than in the bird at 325°F until golden brown on top.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 45m

Yield 16 cups stuffing

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4-1/2 lb bacon, chopped
3/4 cup butter
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
14 cups bread cubes (must be stale but still soft and cut into about 1/2-inch cubes)
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (to taste) or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage (to taste)
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
black pepper
1 cup low sodium chicken broth (you might use more than 1 cup)
1 1/4 cups dried cranberries (optional but really good to add)

Steps:

  • In a large frypan fry the bacon until crisp; (do not drain the drippings) remove and crumble; set aside.
  • Add 3/4 cup butter (no less than 3/4 cup!) to the bacon drippings and melt.
  • Add in chopped celery, onions and garlic; sauté until tender.
  • Add HALF of the bread cubes to the butter; stir to coat, and keep stirring with a wooden spoon until the bread cubes are lightly browned and the butter is absorbed.
  • Transfer to a large bowl (or finish in the frypan, if you have a large enough frypan to hold all ingredients) and add in remaining bread cubes, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning or sage (if using).
  • Add in crumbled bacon and the cranberries or other ingredients that you choose to use; mix to combine.
  • Drizzle with the chicken broth (mixing with a wooden spoon) until you have reached the desired moistness, you might have to add in more than 1 cup, but do not add in too much or your bread will become too "soggy".
  • Immediately stuff the turkey, and cook.
  • **NOTE** the flavor of the stuffing will vary depending on ingredients and type of bread used.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205, Fat 13, SaturatedFat 6.8, Cholesterol 27.7, Sodium 302.9, Carbohydrate 18.7, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 2.4, Protein 3.9

TURKEY WITH STUFFING



Turkey with Stuffing image

Follow Alton Brown's lead for stuffing a turkey with his Turkey with Stuffing recipe from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey, with giblets removed
1 quart chicken broth
2 ounces dried mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for rubbing on turkey
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning turkey
3 cups Challah bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (from approximately 4 to 5 slices)
4 ounces unsweetened dried cherries, approximately 1 cup
2 ounces chopped pecans, approximately 1/2 cup
2 whole eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning chicken

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the turkey into a deep, high-sided bowl on its end with the stuffing end up. Set aside.
  • Heat the chicken broth in the microwave in a large microwave-proof container. Place mushrooms in a glass bowl and pour heated broth over them. Cover and allow to sit for 35 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss the onion, celery, and green pepper with the oil and salt. Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast for 35 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, spread the cubed bread over the vegetables, return to the oven, and continue cooking.
  • Drain mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Chop the mushrooms and place in a large
  • microwave-proof bowl with the vegetables and bread, reserved chicken stock, cherries, pecans, eggs, sage, parsley and black pepper. Stir well in order to break up pieces of bread. Use your hands to combine, if necessary. Heat the stuffing in a microwave on high power for 6 minutes.
  • While the stuffing is heating, rub the bird with oil. Working quickly, place the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey to avoid losing heat. Place the turkey into a roasting pan, on a rack, and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 45 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and cook for another 60 to 75 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. Serve immediately.

CLASSIC ROAST TURKEY



Classic Roast Turkey image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 4h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 12- to 14-pound turkey (thawed if frozen)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 onion, quartered
1 carrot, cut into chunks
1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
3 sprigs sage, plus 1 tablespoon chopped leaves
3 sprigs thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped leaves
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons paprika
Classic Gravy, recipe follows
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more as needed
Turkey neck and giblets (liver discarded)
1 onion, quartered
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup dry white wine
8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, plus more as needed
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Turkey pan drippings
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Let the turkey sit at room temperature, 30 minutes. Position an oven rack in the lowest position (remove the other racks); preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and set aside for the gravy. Pat the turkey very dry with paper towels and rub inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the onion, carrot, celery, and sage and thyme sprigs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Put the turkey on a rack set in a large roasting pan and tuck the wings under the body.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat; whisk in the paprika and chopped sage and thyme. Let the paprika butter cool slightly, then brush all over the turkey. Transfer to the oven and roast 1 hour. Meanwhile, make Classic Gravy.
  • After the turkey has roasted 1 hour, baste with the drippings. Continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 2 more hours.
  • Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest 30 minutes before carving; reserve the drippings for the gravy.
  • Prepare the stock: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the turkey neck and giblets; cook, turning, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, thyme and bay leaves; stir to coat. Add the wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, reduce the heat to low and simmer about 1 hour. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup; reserve the saucepan. You should have 7 cups stock-if you're short, add more broth.
  • Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons butter in the reserved saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the 7 cups stock; bring to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside until the turkey is done.
  • Pour the turkey pan drippings into a fat separator and let stand until the fat rises to the top. Discard the fat (or drizzle on your stuffing). Whisk the defatted drippings into the gravy; season with salt and pepper. Reheat before serving.

CLASSIC ROAST TURKEY WITH HERBED STUFFING AND OLD-FASHIONED GRAVY



Classic Roast Turkey With Herbed Stuffing and Old-Fashioned Gravy image

After trying every turkey-roasting method under the sun, I've finally settled on this as absolutely the best. The secret? Slow down the cooking of the breast area, which tends to get overcooked and dried out before the dark meat is done, with a cover of aluminum foil. These instructions are for a 12-pound turkey, which serves eight people. But you can easily scale it up for a bigger bird. Estimate about one pound of meat per person (one and a half pounds if you want lots of leftovers) and refer to the chart in the Test-Kitchen Tips, below, for the scaled-up cooking times.

Provided by Rick Rodgers

Categories     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12-pound) turkey
Warm Farmhouse Herbed Stuffing
Approximately 8 cups warm Homemade Turkey Stock
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional, melted, if needed for gravy
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Special Equipment
small metal skewer; kitchen string; aluminum foil; large flameproof roasting pan with flat or V-shaped rack; bulb baster (optional); instant-read thermometer; 2-quart glass measuring cup; gravy separator (optional)

Steps:

  • Place oven rack in lowest position and preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 8-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole. Lightly brush roasting rack with vegetable oil and place in roasting pan.
  • Remove plastic or paper packet of giblets from turkey (usually in small cavity). Remove from packaging and rinse; reserve gizzard and heart; discard floppy, dark purple liver. Remove neck from large cavity. Remove from packaging, rinse, and reserve. Using tweezers or needlenose pliers, remove any feathers and quills still attached to skin (kosher turkeys tend to require this more than others). Pull off and reserve any visible pale yellow knobs of fat from either side of tail (not found on all birds).
  • Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry. Loosely fill small (neck) cavity with stuffing. Fold neck skin under body and fasten with metal skewer. Loosely fill large body cavity with stuffing. Transfer remaining stuffing to buttered dish and drizzle with 1/4 cup stock. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Transfer turkey, breast-side up, to rack in roasting pan. Tuck wing tips under breast and tie drumsticks loosely together with kitchen string. Rub turkey all over with softened butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Tightly cover breast area with foil, leaving wings, thighs, and drumsticks exposed.
  • Transfer gizzard, heart, neck, and reserved turkey fat to roasting pan around rack. Pour 2 cups stock into pan.
  • Roast turkey 45 minutes. Baste with pan juices (lift up foil to reach breast area) and continue roasting, basting every 45 minutes, 1 1/2 hours more (2 1/4 hours total). Baste again and, if pan juices have evaporated into glaze, add 1 cup stock to pan. Roast another 45 minutes (3 hours total). Remove foil from breast area, baste, and add stock if necessary, until instant-read thermometer inserted into fleshy part of thigh (close to but not touching bone) registers 180°F, about 1 hour more (4 hours total).
  • Insert instant-read thermometer into center of stuffing in body cavity. If thermometer does not read 165°F, transfer stuffing to microwave-safe baking dish and microwave on high until 165°F, about 3 minutes for 10 degrees. Cover and keep warm. Using turkey holders (or by inserting large metal serving spoon into body cavity), transfer turkey to large serving platter. Let stand 30 minutes before carving.
  • Meanwhile, bake extra stuffing and make gravy: Raise oven temperature to 350°F. Remove giblets and neck from roasting pan and discard. Pour pan juices into measuring cup or gravy separator. Let stand until fat rises to top, 1 to 2 minutes, then skim off and reserve fat or, if using separator, carefully pour juices into measuring cup, reserving fat left in separator.
  • Transfer foil-covered dish of extra stuffing to oven and bake 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add enough remaining stock to pan juices to total 4 cups. Measure turkey fat, adding melted butter if necessary to total 6 tablespoons. Straddle roasting pan across 2 burners on moderate heat and add fat. Whisk in flour, scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan, then cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Whisk in pan juice-stock mixture and bring to a boil, whisking often. Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, whisking occasionally, until gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Whisk in remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and keep warm. (Gravy can be kept warm over very low heat, covered, up to 20 minutes. If it thickens, thin with additional stock before serving. If skin forms on top, whisk well to dissolve.)
  • When extra stuffing has baked 10 minutes, remove foil and bake, uncovered, until heated through, about 10 minutes. Pour gravy through fine-mesh sieve into large bowl, then transfer to gravy boat. Carve turkey and serve gravy and stuffing alongside.
  • Test-Kitchen Tips:
  • •To combat dryness, most frozen turkeys and some fresh are injected with a saline solution. This is not a good thing, though: Injected birds generally lack flavor and can have a mushy texture. For this reason, we recommend buying a fresh turkey and checking the label to be sure there aren't any additives. (Look for the words "all natural.") Don't be too concerned, though, with the many other terms that can be applied to turkeys, such as free-range, organic, or heritage. All can be excellent.
  • •When buying a fresh bird, be sure to purchase it no more than two days before Thanksgiving. If you must get a frozen bird, defrost it in the refrigerator in a pan to catch drips, allowing a full 24 hours for each 5 pounds.
  • •Warm, moist stuffing is an optimal environment for bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli to multiply, so it's important to follow safe procedures. Be sure to make the stuffing at the last minute so it can go into the bird warm. This helps it move above the "danger zone" (the optimal temperature range for bacteria growth) more quickly during roasting. When you remove the turkey from the oven, be sure to check the temperature in the middle of the stuffing to make sure it's 165°F, the temperature at which bacteria will be killed. If it's not 165°F, scoop it out of the cavity and microwave it as directed in the recipe.
  • •More stuffing tips: Be sure not to overpack the cavities, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Loosely fill the turkey, then spread the extra in a casserole dish (no more than 2 inches deep) and bake it after the turkey comes out (be sure to refrigerate it until then to impede bacteria growth). Drizzle the portion in the casserole dish with extra stock to make up for the juices it won't get from the turkey. If you want the stuffing that's cooked inside the turkey to be extra-moist (as opposed to having a crisp crust where it's exposed), cover the exposed portion with a small piece of aluminum foil.
  • •Opinions vary on whether or not to stuff the bird-some people think it can cause uneven cooking. If you prefer not to stuff your bird, fill the cavities with a chopped vegetable and herb mixture that will impart its flavor to the meat and pan juices: Chop 1 onion, 1 celery rib with leaves, 1 carrot, and 3 tablespoons fresh parsley. Mix this with 1 teaspoon each dried rosemary, sage, and thyme. Sprinkle the cavities with salt and freshly ground black pepper and place the mixture inside. An unstuffed bird will take about 15 minutes to a half hour less to cook than a stuffed bird. When the turkey is cooked, tilt it to allow any juices that have collected in the cavity to drain into the pan. Do not serve the vegetable mixture, as it may not have cooked to a safe temperature.
  • •This recipe can easily be scaled up to serve more people. Estimate about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person. Cooking times (for a stuffed bird, cooked at 325°F to an internal temperature of 180°F) will be as follows: 8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours 14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours 20 to 24 pounds: 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
  • •Some experts prefer to cook their turkeys to an internal temperature of 170°F (rather than 180°F, as in this recipe). If you don't mind having the meat slightly pink, this is perfectly safe and makes it more moist. However, Rick Rodgers, who created this recipe, believes that the dark meat in particular does not achieve its optimum flavor and texture until it reaches 180°F. If you choose to stuff your turkey and cook it to only 170°F, its stuffing will almost definitely not reach the safe temperature of 165°F. When you remove the turkey from the oven, be sure to check the temperature in the center of the stuffing, and if necessary remove it and microwave it as directed in the recipe.
  • •Letting the turkey stand for half an hour after it comes out of the oven is an essential part of the roasting process. When meat roasts, its juices move to the outer edge of the flesh. Letting it rest gives the juices time to redistribute, making for a moister turkey. An added bonus: The resting time provides an excellent window of opportunity to make the gravy and reheat the side dishes. There's no need to cover the bird-it'll stay warm enough, and covering it would only soften the crispy skin.

EASY TURKEY STUFFING



Easy Turkey Stuffing image

Want to make great turkey stuffing? Here are the basics for how to make turkey stuffing with easy variations to make it your own. Gather your helpers around to chop up onion, celery, carrots, bread and parsley. Use Progresso™ chicken broth for a flavorful way to keep it moist. All that's left is to stuff your turkey and get ready to see delighted faces at the table. Enjoy!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 medium stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
8 cups dry bread cubes (about 11 slices bread)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, if desired
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or dried sage leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
About 1/2 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

Steps:

  • In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  • In large bowl, mix bread cubes, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add broth and butter-onion mixture, stirring until desired moistness (stuffing will become a little more moist during roasting because it will absorb juices from turkey).
  • Use to stuff 1 (14- to 18-lb) turkey. After stuffing turkey, place any remaining stuffing in 1- or 2-quart casserole that has been sprayed with cooking spray; cover and refrigerate. Bake stuffing in casserole with turkey for last 35 to 40 minutes of roasting time or until thoroughly heated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 70, Carbohydrate 9 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1/2 Cup, Sodium 280 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

TURKEY WITH STUFFING



Turkey with Stuffing image

Don't relegate a stuffed bird to Thanksgiving only; this turkey recipe, which roasts over a bed of parsnips, onion, celery, carrots, celeriac, and white turnip, is delicious year-round.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 fresh whole turkey (20 pounds), giblets (the heart, gizzard, and liver) and neck removed from cavity, rinsed with cool water, and dried with paper towels
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, at room temperature
1 bottle dry white wine
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
1 parsnip, peeled and quartered
1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 stalks celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 4-inch pieces
1 small head celeriac (about 1 pound), peeled and quartered
1 white turnip, peeled and cut into small wedges
Stuffing

Steps:

  • Remove turkey from refrigerator and let stand for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Place rack on lowest level in oven. Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and white wine. Fold a large piece of cheesecloth into quarters; cut it into a 17-inch, four-layer square. Immerse cheesecloth in the butter-and-wine mixture, and let soak.
  • Working on a large piece of parchment paper, fold wing tips under turkey. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper inside turkey. Fill large cavity and neck cavity loosely with as much stuffing as they hold comfortably -- do not pack tightly. (Cook remaining stuffing in a buttered baking dish for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.) Fold neck flap under, and secure with toothpicks. Tie legs together loosely with kitchen string (a bow is easy to undo later; it is not necessary to make a tight knot). Rub turkey all over with the softened butter.
  • In a heavy, metal roasting pan (sides should be 2 to 3 inches high), place parsnip, onion, celery, carrots, celeriac, and white turnip. Place roasting rack on top of vegetables, then place turkey, breast side up, on roasting rack. Sprinkle turkey with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper.
  • Lift cheesecloth out of liquid, and gently squeeze it, leaving it very damp. Spread folded square of cheesecloth evenly over breast and about halfway down sides of turkey; it can cover some of leg area. Place turkey, legs first, in oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Using a pastry brush, baste cheesecloth and all exposed parts of turkey with butter-and-wine mixture. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Cook 2 1/2 more hours, basting with pastry brush every 30 minutes and watching the pan juices; if pan is getting too full, spoon out juices so level remains below the rack.
  • After this third hour of cooking, remove and discard cheesecloth. Turn roasting pan so the breast faces back of oven. Baste turkey with juices that have collected in bottom of pan. If there are not enough juices, continue to use the butter-and-wine mixture. The skin gets fragile as it browns, so baste carefully, particularly over the breast. Cook another hour, basting every 30 minutes. If some areas of the bird start getting too brown, cover those areas loosely with aluminum foil.
  • After fourth hour of cooking, insert an instant-read thermometer into thickest part of thigh. Do not poke into a bone. The thermometer should reach at least 180 degrees and the turkey should be golden brown. The breast does not need to be checked for temperature. If turkey is not golden brown or the thigh meat does not register 180 degrees, baste turkey, return to oven, and cook another 20 to 30 minutes. Insert the instant-read thermometer into the center of the stuffing. Temperature should read from 140 degrees to 160 degrees.
  • When fully cooked, transfer the turkey to a serving platter, and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Make gravy using the vegetables while the turkey rests.

CLASSIC TURKEY STUFFING (USE TO STUFF A TURKEY)



Classic Turkey Stuffing (Use to Stuff a Turkey) image

This is the no-fail recipe that I have used many times in the past to stuff a turkey --- you may use 2-1/2 teaspoons ground sage in place of 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning if desired. purchase your bread about 3 days before using to make slicing easier. To save some time you can toast the bread cubes days in advance or prepare the complete stuffing up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. This will make enough stuffing for a 12-16 pound turkey or a very large roasting chicken, about 12-13 cups stuffing cooked. If you are not a garlic-lover then omit the garlic completey or reduce the amount to taste. Prep time includes baking the bread cubes, and yield is only estimated. I also like to add in a large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped but that is optional.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h

Yield 12 cups stuffing (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 loaf white sliced sandwich bread (purchase a 675-gram loaf bread)
3 large onions, finely chopped (the largest you can find!)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes!)
4 large celery ribs, finely chopped (including the leaves)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground savory
1 tablespoon seasoning salt (or use 1-2 teaspoons white salt, or to taste)
1 -2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 (10 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and coarsley chopped (can use 2 cans if desired for a more nutty flavor)

Steps:

  • Remove the crusts from the bread slices.
  • Slice bread into 1/2-inch pieces (does not have to be exact, you should have about 12-14 cups cubes).
  • Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and rotating the sheet/s halfway through baking time until the cubes are lightly toasted; place in a large bowl.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until HOT and sizzling.
  • Add in onions, garlic and celery (with the chopped leaves) stir immediately with wooden spoon; add in the poultry seasoning, seasoned salt and black pepper; saute for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir the onion/celery mixture along with the chopped water chestnuts into the bread cubes; toss well to combine.
  • Add in more seasoned salt (or white salt) and black pepper if desired to taste.
  • Let the stuffing cool completely before stuffing the turkey or roasting chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.3, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 333.5, Carbohydrate 30.4, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 4.8, Protein 4

ROAST STUFFED TURKEY



Roast Stuffed Turkey image

Provided by Craig Claiborne

Categories     dinner, roasts, main course

Time 4h30m

Yield 12 - 15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 17-to-20-pound ready-to-cook turkey
6 cups stuffing such as a pork and sage stuffing (see recipe)
3 tablespoons corn, peanut or vegetable oil
Salt to taste if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 onions, about 1/2 pound, peeled
1 turkey neck
1 cup fresh or canned chicken broth
1 cup water
Giblet gravy (see recipe)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Stuff turkey cavity with about 5 cups of stuffing. Place folded piece of aluminum foil inside cavity opening to hold stuffing in place. Fill neck opening with remaining stuffing and fold over skin to enclose. Truss turkey with string.
  • Place turkey in large roasting pan. Rub all over with oil, salt and pepper. Scatter onions and turkey neck around it. Put in oven and roast about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Baste and cover breast loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Reduce oven heat to 400 degrees.
  • Roast turkey about 50 minutes and pour chicken broth and water around it. Replace foil and continue baking, basting often, at least every 15 minutes. Cook about 2 hours longer. Total cooking time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. The cooking time is 11 or 12 minutes per pound. When done, joint between leg and thigh bone will move easily when touched. If skin is pierced at that joint, the juices that run out will be clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the stuffing or breast meat will register 160 degrees.
  • Remove turkey from roasting pan and pour off the basting liquid. Strain it. Skim off the fat. Pour skimmed juices into the giblet gravy. Bring to the boil and skim off any additional fat. There should be about 3 cups of gravy.

CLASSIC STUFFING



Classic Stuffing image

The terms stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings: Stuffing is cooked inside the bird, dressing on its own. Use this recipe when making our Perfect Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Yield Makes 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 onions, (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
16 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
10 large fresh sage leaves, chopped, or 2 teaspoons crushed dried sage
6 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 stale loaves white bread, (about 36 slices), crust on, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 cups (about 2 bunches) fresh coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, leaves
2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
2 cups dried cherries (optional)

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sage, stir to combine, and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock, and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, until liquid has reduced by half.
  • Transfer onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add all remaining ingredients, including the remaining stock; mix to combine.

Tips:

  • Thaw the turkey properly. Place the turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. For faster thawing, place the turkey in a sink filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed.
  • Choose the right stuffing ingredients. The best stuffing ingredients are those that are moist and flavorful. Some good options include bread cubes, celery, onions, carrots, apples, and herbs. You can also add cooked sausage or ground beef to the stuffing for extra flavor.
  • Season the stuffing well. Be sure to add plenty of salt and pepper to the stuffing, as well as any other herbs or spices you like. You can also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the stuffing for extra flavor.
  • Stuff the turkey loosely. Do not pack the stuffing tightly into the turkey, as this will prevent it from cooking evenly. Instead, stuff the turkey loosely so that there is some space between the stuffing and the turkey meat.
  • Roast the turkey at the correct temperature. The ideal roasting temperature for a turkey is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured with a meat thermometer.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving. Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Conclusion:

Classic stuffed turkey is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for any special occasion. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your turkey turns out perfectly cooked and flavorful. So next time you're hosting a holiday dinner, be sure to give this classic recipe a try.

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