Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey
Celebrate the warmth of tradition with this succulent Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey—perfect for holiday feasts and family gatherings. This classic recipe features a 12-pound turkey, rubbed with a flavorful blend of butter, salt, pepper, and paprika, and expertly stuffed with a savory mixture of day-old bread, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and rich turkey stock. Roasted to golden perfection and basted for extra moisture, this centerpiece delivers tender, juicy meat complemented by perfectly seasoned stuffing. With straightforward preparation and step-by-step guidance, achieve impressive results whether you're a seasoned cook or a first-time holiday host. Pair this festive favorite with your go-to sides for a memorable meal that embodies the spirit of the season. Keywords: traditional roast turkey, stuffed turkey recipe, holiday turkey, classic Thanksgiving turkey, easy turkey recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pounds Whole turkey
- 0.5 cups Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 cups Day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, for basting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey's cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, and chicken or turkey stock. Mix until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Season the inside of the turkey cavity with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper. Stuff the cavity loosely with the prepared stuffing (do not overpack).
Truss the turkey legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing secure. Tuck the wings underneath the bird.
Rub the outer skin of the turkey with the remaining butter. Season the turkey on all sides with the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Baste occasionally with vegetable oil or melted butter, if desired. Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) for the stuffing and 180°F (82°C) for the thickest part of the turkey meat.
Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the oven to ensure the juices redistribute. Carve and serve alongside your favorite holiday sides.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1818 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.3 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.1 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 469 mg | 156% | |
| Sodium | 3230 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.6 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 161.3 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 340 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 15.7 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 2034 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
