Seasonal & Festive Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey
Highlighted under: Festive Meal Moments
I love preparing a Seasonal & Festive Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey that truly captures the essence of the holiday season. Each year, I look forward to the challenge of creating a perfectly roasted turkey, stuffed with a blend of aromatic herbs that elevate the dish to a new level. It’s a labor of love that brings family together, and the flavors of sage, thyme, and rosemary make every bite deliciously unforgettable. Follow my tips to ensure your turkey is moist, flavorful, and the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast.
When I first attempted to make a Thanksgiving turkey, I was overwhelmed yet excited at the thought. I experimented with various herb combinations and found that a mixture of sage, thyme, and rosemary created an intoxicating aroma while roasting. The secret lies in allowing the herbs to infuse the turkey's juices, creating a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched.
I also discovered the importance of letting the turkey rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. Adding a bit of broth to the stuffing provides an additional layer of moisture that keeps the filling from drying out. Trust me, these small adjustments make a big difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delicious herb blend that enhances the turkey's flavor
- Perfectly crispy skin that contrasts with juicy meat
- Brings families together for a festive celebration
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey:
Turkey and Stuffing Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups bread cubes (stale, preferably)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and measured out before starting!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Seasonal & Festive Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey:
Prepare the Stuffing
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened. In a bowl, combine the bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the bread mixture and add broth until the desired moisture is reached.
Prepare the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry. Season the inside with salt and pepper, then loosely pack the stuffing into the cavity. Truss the legs and tuck the wings under the turkey.
Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and tender. Serve with your favorite sides!
Enjoy carving your beautifully roasted turkey!
Pro Tips
- For an even more flavorful turkey, consider brining the turkey overnight before cooking. A simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and herbs can hugely enhance moisture and flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use pre-packaged stuffing?
Yes, you can use pre-packaged stuffing, but for the best flavor, I recommend making it from scratch.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
→ What temperature should the turkey be when it's done?
The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
→ Can I cook the turkey the day before?
Yes, you can cook your turkey a day in advance. Just ensure it's cooled properly, and reheat it in the oven before serving.
Seasonal & Festive Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey
I love preparing a Seasonal & Festive Thanksgiving Herb Stuffed Turkey that truly captures the essence of the holiday season. Each year, I look forward to the challenge of creating a perfectly roasted turkey, stuffed with a blend of aromatic herbs that elevate the dish to a new level. It’s a labor of love that brings family together, and the flavors of sage, thyme, and rosemary make every bite deliciously unforgettable. Follow my tips to ensure your turkey is moist, flavorful, and the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast.
Created by: Ainsley Harper
Recipe Type: Festive Meal Moments
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
What You'll Need
Turkey and Stuffing Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups bread cubes (stale, preferably)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened. In a bowl, combine the bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the bread mixture and add broth until the desired moisture is reached.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry. Season the inside with salt and pepper, then loosely pack the stuffing into the cavity. Truss the legs and tuck the wings under the turkey.
Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and tender. Serve with your favorite sides!
Extra Tips
- For an even more flavorful turkey, consider brining the turkey overnight before cooking. A simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and herbs can hugely enhance moisture and flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 35g