Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser for its simplicity and rich flavor. It’s made with a perfect balance of crispy toasted bread, tender vegetables, and savory seasonings. The use of butter brings a richness that’s just right, and cooking the stuffing inside the turkey allows it to absorb all the flavorful juices, making it even more delicious. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to achieve that perfectly stuffed turkey with minimal effort.

Ingredients

12 lb whole turkey
5 tbsp butter, divided
1 package dry bread stuffing mix
1 cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped onion
4 slices toasted white bread, torn
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Dry the turkey thoroughly and remove any giblets. Place it in a roasting pan.
In a saucepan, boil water and 4 tbsp butter. Stir in the stuffing mix, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
In a skillet, sauté the chopped celery and onion in 1 tbsp butter for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
Add the sautéed vegetables and torn toasted bread to the stuffing mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Loosely stuff the turkey cavity and neck with the stuffing mixture.
Rub the turkey with vegetable oil and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast the turkey for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (85°C) and the stuffing reaches 165°F (70°C).
For extra browning, uncover the turkey for the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 25 minutes before carving and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and a gluten-free stuffing mix to cater to dietary preferences.
Herbed Stuffing: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an additional layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and use vegetable broth to moisten the stuffing for a vegetarian meal.
Cranberry Addition: Mix in dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Sausage Stuffing: Brown some sausage and mix it into the stuffing for a meaty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the stuffing the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead of time. Just assemble it and store it in the fridge. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before stuffing the turkey.

2. Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the turkey completely before cooking. The stuffing should never be placed in a frozen bird.

3. How do I know when the turkey and stuffing are fully cooked?

The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 180°F (85°C) in the thigh, and the stuffing should reach 165°F (70°C).

4. Can I stuff the turkey in advance and cook it the next day?

It’s not recommended to stuff the turkey in advance due to food safety concerns. Stuff the turkey just before cooking.

5. Can I bake the stuffing separately?

Yes, if you prefer a crustier stuffing, you can scoop it out of the turkey after roasting and bake it in a separate dish at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

6. How can I adjust the seasoning of the stuffing?

Before stuffing the turkey, microwave a spoonful of the mix and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as you can’t change it once the stuffing is inside the bird.

7. Can I add nuts to the stuffing?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

8. Is there a way to make this stuffing spicier?

To make the stuffing spicier, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the mixture.

9. What if I don’t have dry bread stuffing mix?

You can use fresh cubed bread and toast it until crispy. Then, use it in place of the dry stuffing mix.

10. How long can I keep leftover stuffing?

Leftover stuffing can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Stuffing recipe is an easy and flavorful way to elevate your turkey. The combination of fresh vegetables, toasted bread, and savory butter creates a stuffing that is both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re making this for a holiday meal or a family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe collection. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll be serving a perfectly roasted turkey with mouth-watering stuffing in no time!

Stuffing For Turkey Recipe

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Stuffing recipe for turkey combines savory, buttery goodness with toasted bread, fresh vegetables, and a hint of seasoning, making it the perfect complement to your holiday turkey.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

12 lb whole turkey

5 tbsp butter, divided

1 package dry bread stuffing mix

1 cup chopped celery

¼ cup chopped onion

4 slices toasted white bread, torn

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Dry the turkey thoroughly and remove any giblets. Place it in a roasting pan.
In a saucepan, boil water and 4 tbsp butter. Stir in the stuffing mix, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
In a skillet, sauté the chopped celery and onion in 1 tbsp butter for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
Add the sautéed vegetables and torn toasted bread to the stuffing mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Loosely stuff the turkey cavity and neck with the stuffing mixture.
Rub the turkey with vegetable oil and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast the turkey for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (85°C) and the stuffing reaches 165°F (70°C).
For extra browning, uncover the turkey for the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 25 minutes before carving and serving.