Best 10 Roast Turkey With Bread Stuffing Recipes

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Thanksgiving is approaching, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast: a succulent, golden-brown roast turkey. Accompanied by a savory bread stuffing, this classic dish is a culinary delight that will tantalize taste buds and create lasting memories. Our comprehensive guide offers two delectable variations of roast turkey with bread stuffing, each bursting with unique flavors and textures to suit your preferences. The "Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter" recipe showcases a tender, juicy turkey infused with aromatic herbs and butter, while the "Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Turkey" tantalizes with a sweet-tart stuffing made from crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and warm spices. Both recipes are meticulously detailed, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve perfectly roasted turkey and flavorful stuffing. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and prepare to indulge in a Thanksgiving feast that will be cherished for years to come.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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.

ROAST TURKEY WITH HERBED BREAD STUFFING AND GIBLET GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Herbed Bread Stuffing and Giblet Gravy image

Categories     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

12- to 14-lb kosher turkey, feathers removed if necessary, neck and giblets (excluding liver) reserved for making stock
Herbed bread stuffing
3/4 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup water
For gravy
Pan juices reserved from turkey
4 cups turkey giblet stock
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Garnish: fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme sprigs

Steps:

  • Make turkey giblet stock and herbed bread stuffing.
  • Roast turkey:
  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper inside and out. Loosely fill neck cavity with some of stuffing. Fold neck skin under body and fasten with a small skewer. Loosely fill body cavity with some stuffing and tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Transfer remaining stuffing to a buttered 3-quart shallow baking dish and chill, covered. Secure wings to body with small skewers if desired for a nicer appearance.
  • Put turkey on a rack set in a flameproof roasting pan. Roast turkey in middle of oven 30 minutes. Melt 1/2 stick butter. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and pour melted butter over turkey. Roast turkey, basting every 20 minutes, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours more, or until a thermometer inserted in center of stuffing in body cavity registers 165°F (thigh will be about 180°F). Transfer turkey to a heated platter and keep juices in pan. Remove skewers and discard string. Transfer stuffing from cavities to a serving dish and keep warm, covered. Let turkey stand at least 30 minutes and up to 45.
  • Increase temperature to 375°F. Stir together chicken broth and water and drizzle over uncooked stuffing in baking dish. Dot stuffing with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and bake in middle of oven 40 minutes while turkey stands; for moist stuffing, bake covered entire time; for less moist stuffing with a slightly crisp top, uncover after 10 minutes.
  • Make gravy:
  • Skim fat from pan juices and reserve 1/4 cup fat. Add 1 cup giblet stock to roasting pan and deglaze over moderately high heat, scraping up brown bits. Add to remaining 3 cups stock and bring to a simmer. Whisk together reserved fat and flour in a large heavy saucepan and cook roux over moderately low heat, whisking, 3 minutes. Add hot stock to roux in a fast stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in additional juices from turkey platter and season gravy with salt and pepper.

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.

ROAST TURKEY AND BREAD STUFFING.



Roast Turkey and Bread Stuffing. image

This is my basic roast turkey and stuffing. It's an old fashion recipe but we think it's still the best.

Provided by Sageca

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 7h

Yield 14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

1/3 cup butter
1 cup diced celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup turkey broth
10 cups bread cubes
turkey giblets, and neck
1 stalk celery (cut up)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
10 cups water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
turkey pan dripping
1/3 cup easy flow flour
8 cups turkey broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
15 lbs turkey

Steps:

  • Bread Stuffing:.
  • In large saucepan,over medium heat melt butter; cook celery and onions until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Add salt, poultry seasoning sage, thyme, marjoram and pepper; stir well until thoroughly mixed.
  • Stir in bread cubes and broth; mix together well.
  • Turkey Broth:.
  • In saucepan over high heat, heat to boiling giblets, necks, celery, onion, 1 teaspoon salt and water and chicken bouillon powder. Reduce heat to low; cover; simmer 1 hour until giblets are tender.
  • Drain, reserving broth.
  • Turkey:.
  • Preheat oven 325°F.
  • Rinse bird with running cold water; drain well.
  • Spoon some stuffing lightly into neck cavity (do not pack).
  • Fold neck skin over and fasten with skewers. With bird breast side up, lift wings up toward neck, then fold under back of bird, so they stay flat and keep neck skin in place.
  • Spoon remaining stuffing lightly into body cavity; don't pack; place the remainder in a casserole and microwave for 15 minutes.
  • Fold skin lightly over opening; skewer closed.
  • Tie legs and wings with string, or push drumsticks under band of skin or use stuffing clamp.
  • On rack in open roasting pan, place bird breast side up.
  • Brush skin lightly with salad oil.
  • Cover loosely with foil.
  • Roast at 325°F for 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
  • Check doneness during last 30 minutes. Toward end of roasting, remove foil.
  • When turkey is done, remove rack from pan.
  • Use a spoon to remove stuffing from turkey; place in a serving bowl. Mix together with stuffing you cooked earlier in the microwave.
  • Cover turkey and let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
  • Gravy:.
  • Bring turkey dripping to a boil.
  • Whisk in flour.
  • Gradually whisk in reserved broth to roasting pan; stir until brown bits are loosened. Add salt and pepper.
  • Add water if necessary.
  • You might find it easier to make your gravy in another saucepan.
  • Carve turkey and serve with stuffing and gravy.
  • Tip;.
  • I often make my stuffing a day or 2 ahead and refrigerate it until I am ready for it. At that time I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth to make it.
  • For Thanksgiving I use my fresh herbs to the stuffing and triple the amount.

EASY BEGINNER'S TURKEY WITH STUFFING



Easy Beginner's Turkey with Stuffing image

This easy to make turkey is great for beginners, but experts will find it equally delicious. Adjust the cooking time for different sized birds.

Provided by DD123

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Whole Turkey Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 pounds whole turkey
1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix
1 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped onion
4 slices toasted white bread, torn into small pieces
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse turkey, remove giblets and place in a shallow roasting pan.
  • Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Mix in water.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and slowly cook and stir the celery and onion until tender.
  • Mix celery, onion, and toasted bread pieces into the stuffing, and season with salt and pepper. Loosely scoop stuffing into the turkey body cavity and neck cavity. Rub the exterior of the turkey with vegetable oil.
  • Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil, and roast 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) and the interior of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F (70 degrees C). Remove foil during the last half hour of cooking to brown the bird.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 834.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 311.4 mg, Fat 40.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 95 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 592.6 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

ROAST TURKEY WITH OLD-FASHIONED BREAD STUFFING



Roast Turkey with Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing image

Roast Turkey with Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing brings back memories of your mom's Thanksgiving dinner. It will be tough to save enough room for pie after you take a bite of this moist roast turkey recipe.

Provided by BHG Test Kitchen

Time 4h15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms or one 4-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
0.5 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or ground sage
0.25 teaspoon pepper
0.125 teaspoon salt
8 cup dry bread cubes*
0.5 - 0.75 cup chicken broth or water
1 10-12 pound turkey
Cooking oil
0.333 cup margarine or butter

Steps:

  • For stuffing, in a medium saucepan cook celery; fresh mushrooms, if using; and onion in margarine or butter until tender but not brown; remove from heat. Stir in poultry seasoning or sage, pepper, and salt. Place dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl; add onion mixture and, if using, canned mushrooms. Drizzle with enough broth or water to moisten, tossing lightly.
  • Season body cavity of turkey with salt. Spoon some of the stuffing loosely into neck cavity. Pull the neck skin to the back; fasten with a skewer.
  • Lightly spoon more stuffing into the body cavity. (Place any remaining stuffing in a casserole, cover, and chill. Bake stuffing alongside turkey for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.) Tuck the ends of the drumsticks under the band of skin across the tail. If the band of skin is not present, tie the drumsticks securely to the tail. Twist wing tips under the back.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Brush with oil. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of one of the inside thigh muscles. The thermometer bulb should not touch the bone. Cover turkey loosely with foil.
  • Roast turkey in a 325 degree F oven for 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 180 degrees F. The internal temperature of the stuffing should reach 165 degrees F. After 2-1/2 hours, cut band of skin or string between the drumsticks so thighs will cook evenly. When done, drumsticks should move very easily in their sockets and their thickest parts should feel soft when pressed. Uncover the last 30 minutes of roasting.
  • Remove turkey from oven. Cover; let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Use a spoon to remove stuffing from turkey; place in a serving bowl. Carve turkey. Makes 12 to 14 servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 121 mg, Protein 38 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 343 mg, Fat 19 g, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

ROAST TURKEY WITH BREAD STUFFING



Roast Turkey With Bread Stuffing image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, roasts, main course

Time 2h45m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 pound turkey liver or chicken liver (about 3)
1 cup parsley leaves
1/2 cup chopped shallots
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 slices good day-old white bread, crusts trimmed
1 15-pound turkey
1 recipe bread stuffing, below
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 500 degrees.
  • Make the stuffing: chop together (by hand or in a small food processor) the butter, liver and parsley; stir in the shallots and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread half the mixture on 4 of the bread slices; top each with another slice of bread, then spread the remaining mixture on the outsides of the sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into 6 pieces.
  • Rinse the turkey and remove the giblets. Sprinkle the bird with salt and pepper to taste. Loosely pack the turkey cavity with the stuffing, and then tie the legs together to enclose the vent.
  • Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, along with the turkey neck, gizzard and any other trimmings. Place in the oven, legs first.
  • Roast 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top begins to brown, then turn the heat down to 350 degrees. If the bottom dries out, add water to coat the bottom of the pan. Continue to roast, checking every 30 minutes or so; if the top browns too quickly, lay a piece of aluminum foil on it. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees. If, when the turkey is nearly done, the top is not browned enough, turn the heat back up to 425 degrees for the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven. Take it off the rack, and make sherry reduction gravy (see recipe) while the bird rests for about 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 792, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 95 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 1513 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-SOURDOUGH BREAD STUFFING



Roast Turkey with Apple-Sourdough Bread Stuffing image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (8 to 10-pound) turkey, cut into 5 parts (breast, legs, wings), giblets removed and discarded, back bone removed from the turkey breast (this will help it stand upright)*
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper1 medium chopped onion
2 apples, peeled, cored and diced (preferably McIntosh)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
4 cups sourdough bread cubes, preferable day-old
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, warm
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • In a small bowl combine all the dried herbs together. Rub the turkey parts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then rub with all of the dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the turkey in 1 layer in a large roasting pan.
  • Put the turkey in the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the thigh reads 160 to 165 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and let stand, covered with aluminum foil. It's ready to serve in 10 to 15 minutes, but can stand, covered, for up to 1 hour so that the stuffing or other side dishes can be completed. Transfer to a serving platter.
  • Meanwhile heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, apples, and celery and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the parsley, sage, and thyme and stir to coat the apples and vegetables with the herbs. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the cubed bread and the warm chicken broth. Toss to combine and season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 5 by 8-inch baking dish and bake in the oven at 350 degrees F until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.

ROAST TURKEY WITH CORN BREAD STUFFING AND GIBLET GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Corn Bread Stuffing and Giblet Gravy image

Categories     Herb     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Brine     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 32

Turkey:
4 quarts water
1 cup coarse salt
1 18-pound turkey; neck and giblets reserved for Giblet Broth
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
Corn Bread Stuffing
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
Chopped turkey neck meat and giblets reserved from Giblet Broth
3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
3 tablespoons brandy
Giblet Broth:
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
Neck and giblets reserved from 18-pound turkey (discard liver, if desired)
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
5 cups water
1 cup dry white wine
2 3-inch pieces leek (white and pale green parts only)
8 parsley sprigs
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
2 bay leaves
2 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Combine 4 quarts water and 1 cup coarse salt in very large bowl. Let stand until salt dissolves, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes. Place turkey in salted water, turning to coat. Let turkey stand at room temperature 2 hours, turning occasionally. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan. Tuck wings under turkey body.
  • Position oven rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Whisk butter, orange juice, lemon juice, thyme, orange peel, lemon peel, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in medium bowl until well blended. Rub 1/4 cup thyme butter inside turkey. Spoon stuffing loosely into main cavity and neck cavity. Generously rub remaining thyme butter over turkey. Tie legs together loosely to hold shape of turkey.
  • Roast turkey until golden, basting occasionally with pan drippings, about 2 hours. Cover entire turkey loosely with heavy-duty foil and roast until meat thermometer inserted into innermost part of thigh registers 180°F or until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with skewer, basting occasionally with pan juices, about 11/2 hours longer. Transfer turkey to platter. Tent turkey with foil and let stand while preparing gravy.
  • For gravy:
  • Strain pan juices from roasting pan into large glass measuring cup. Spoon fat off top of pan juices. Pour juices and Giblet Broth into heavy medium saucepan. Boil broth mixture until reduced to 3 cups, about 10 minutes.
  • Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook until golden brown, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Whisk in reduced broth mixture. Simmer until gravy thickens, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add reserved chopped neck meat and giblets, eggs and brandy; simmer 5 minutes longer. Transfer to bowl. Serve gravy with turkey.
  • For Giblet Broth:
  • Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add neck and giblets; sauté until brown, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer neck and giblets to plate. Add carrots, onion and celery to pot. Sauté until vegetables brown, about 10 minutes. Add water, wine, neck and giblets to vegetables; bring to boil.
  • Add all remaining ingredients to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low; partially cover and simmer until giblets are very tender, about 11/2 hours. Using slotted spoon, transfer neck and giblets to plate. Cool. Carefully remove all meat from turkey neck. Chop neck meat and giblets; reserve for gravy. Strain broth into bowl, pressing on solids. (Broth and giblets can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.) Makes about 3 1/2 cups.

HERB-SCENTED ROAST TURKEY WITH CORNBREAD STUFFING



Herb-Scented Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing image

Rosemary, sage and garlic enhance an American Thanksgiving favorite. Served with herb-scented corn bread stuffing, the fragrant flavor is complete!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 5h50m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup chopped onion
9 cups 1/2-inch cubes cornbread or soft bread
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves, crumbled
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 whole turkey (12 lb), thawed if frozen
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves, crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves, crumbled
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325°F. In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook celery and onion in butter about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender; remove from heat. In large bowl, mix celery mixture and remaining stuffing ingredients until well blended.
  • Stuff turkey just before roasting, not ahead of time. Fill wishbone area lightly with stuffing. Fasten neck skin to back with skewer. Fold wings across back with tips touching. Fill body cavity lightly. (Do not pack--stuffing will expand while cooking.) Tuck drumsticks under band of skin at tail, or tie together with heavy string, then tie to tail.
  • In small bowl, mix rosemary, 1 tablespoon sage, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the garlic; rub into turkey skin. Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Brush with 1/4 cup butter. Do not add water. Place meat thermometer in thickest part of inside thigh muscle so thermometer does not touch bone.
  • Roast uncovered 4 to 5 hours, brushing with pan juices every 30 minutes, until thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted. Thermometer placed in center of stuffing should read 165°F.
  • Place foil loosely over turkey when it begins to turns golden. When turkey is two-thirds done, cut band of skin, or remove string or skewer holding legs. When turkey is done, place on warm platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Let stand about 20 minutes for easiest carving. While turkey is standing, prepare Foolproof Gravy if desired.
  • To serve, garnish turkey with fresh herb sprigs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 180 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 920 mg

Tips:

  • Thaw the turkey properly: Allow the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 4-5 days before cooking. This ensures that the turkey is thawed evenly and safely.
  • Dry the turkey thoroughly: Before cooking, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up and brown evenly.
  • Use a properly sized roasting pan: The roasting pan should be large enough to hold the turkey comfortably, but not so large that the turkey is swimming in liquid.
  • Season the turkey generously: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to season the turkey inside and out. This will help the turkey develop a flavorful crust.
  • Baste the turkey regularly: Basting the turkey with its own juices or a mixture of melted butter and herbs helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Cover the turkey loosely: Cover the turkey loosely with foil during roasting. This helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Roasting a turkey is a classic holiday tradition, and with a little planning and preparation, it's a dish that everyone can enjoy. By following these tips, you can ensure that your roast turkey is moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

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