Christmas Stuffed Turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday feasts, and for good reason! This dish not only brings families together but also fills the air with the delightful aroma of herbs and spices that evoke the warmth of the season. As I prepare my Christmas Stuffed Turkey each year, I can’t help but reflect on its rich history, which dates back centuries, symbolizing abundance and celebration in various cultures around the world.
People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the juicy turkey meat combined with a savory stuffing creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. The convenience of preparing a Christmas Stuffed Turkey also makes it a favorite among home cooks, as it can be made ahead of time and simply popped in the oven on the big day. Join me as we dive into this beloved recipe that has become a cherished tradition in my home and many others!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably stale)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil for rubbing
- Salt and pepper for seasoning the turkey
Preparing the Stuffing
Let’s start by making the stuffing, which is the heart of our Christmas stuffed turkey. It’s a delightful mix of flavors that will complement the turkey beautifully.
- In a large skillet, melt ½ cup of the softened butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples start to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the bread crumbs, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken or turkey broth gradually, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. You want it to hold together but still be fluffy.
- Finally, add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated. This will help bind the stuffing together.
Preparing the Turkey
Now that our stuffing is ready, it’s time to prepare the turkey. This part can be a bit messy, but it’s all part of the fun!
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting the turkey evenly.
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, making sure to cover all areas. This will help achieve a beautiful golden-brown skin.
- Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Don’t be shy; this is essential for flavor!
- Now, it’s time to stuff the turkey. Gently spoon the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, packing it lightly. Be careful not to overstuff, as the stuffing will expand while cooking.
- Once stuffed, tuck the wing tips under the turkey and tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep everything secure during roasting.
Roasting the Turkey
With the turkey prepped and stuffed, we can now move on to the roasting process. This is where the magic happens!
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the turkey for even cooking.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the skin from browning too quickly.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. As a general rule, roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 pound turkey, this will take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- About halfway through the cooking time, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can re-cover it with foil. <
- Total Time: 210-270 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably stale)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil for rubbing
- Salt and pepper for seasoning the turkey
- In a large skillet, melt ½ cup of the softened butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples start to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the bread crumbs, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken or turkey broth gradually, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. You want it to hold together but still be fluffy.
- Finally, add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated. This will help bind the stuffing together.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, making sure to cover all areas.
- Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
- Gently spoon the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, packing it lightly. Be careful not to overstuff.
- Tuck the wing tips under the turkey and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 pound turkey, this will take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- About halfway through the cooking time, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can re-cover it with foil.
- Ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 180-240 minutes
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Christmas Stuffed Turkey recipe, I can’t emphasize enough why this dish is a must-try for your holiday celebrations. Not only does it serve as the centerpiece of your festive table, but it also brings together a medley of flavors that will have your family and friends raving about your culinary skills. The juicy turkey, combined with the savory stuffing, creates a harmonious blend that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Christmas Stuffed Turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a tangy cranberry sauce to elevate the meal even further. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding different herbs to the stuffing or incorporating seasonal vegetables for a unique twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and make it a part of your holiday traditions. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Christmas Stuffed Turkey turned out and any personal touches you added. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together this festive season! Print
Christmas Stuffed Turkey: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Holiday Feast
Description
This festive stuffed turkey recipe features a savory stuffing made with bread crumbs, apples, cranberries, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, ensuring a memorable feast for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
