why make this recipe
Christmas Stuffed Turkey is a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. It’s not just a meal but a centerpiece that adds a festive spirit to your celebrations. This recipe is delicious, tender, and filled with flavors that everyone loves. Making a stuffed turkey is a great way to share traditions with family and friends during the holiday season.
how to make Christmas Stuffed Turkey
Ingredients :
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups of bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cooked vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the bread mixture.
- Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to let the skin brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
how to serve Christmas Stuffed Turkey
Serve your Christmas Stuffed Turkey with your favorite holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans. Make sure to carve the turkey at the table for a festive touch. Everyone enjoys a good serving of turkey with stuffing!
how to store Christmas Stuffed Turkey
If you have leftovers, let the turkey cool down and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to cut the turkey into pieces before freezing, and it will last for about 3 months.
tips to make Christmas Stuffed Turkey
- Make sure to choose a fresh turkey for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, you can add nuts or dried fruits to the stuffing mix.
- Before serving, allow the turkey to rest for some time to ensure it stays moist.
- Always check the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey to ensure it’s cooked through.
variation
You can try adding different herbs or spices to the stuffing. Some people like to include sausage or mushrooms for a twist.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook a stuffed turkey?
A stuffed turkey usually takes about 13-15 minutes per pound to cook at 325°F (165°C). For a 12-14 pound turkey, it should be roasted for about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the turkey.
What do I do if my turkey is still frozen?
If your turkey is frozen, it’s safest to thaw it in the refrigerator for several days before cooking. A faster alternative is to submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed.
Christmas Stuffed Turkey
Ingredients
Turkey and Stuffing Components
- 1 whole whole turkey (12-14 pounds) Choose a fresh turkey for the best flavor.
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter Melted.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth Add gradually to keep stuffing moist.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cooked vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the bread mixture.
- Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
Cooking
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to let the skin brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
