traditional turkey and stuffing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best traditional turkey and stuffing recipe

I love traditional turkey and stuffing recipe because it’s a classic dish that never goes out of style. It’s a staple in many American households, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. The combination of the savory turkey and the aromatic stuffing is a match made in heaven.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and cook this recipe, even on a weeknight. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they always get excited when they see the big bird coming out of the oven. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods. The turkey provides lean protein, while the stuffing adds some fiber and texture from the bread and herbs. Plus, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes by adding or removing ingredients as you see fit.

Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need a hearty meal for your family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. I’ve experimented with different variations over the years, but the basic recipe remains the same: a juicy turkey roasted to perfection with a delicious homemade stuffing on the side. It’s a true comfort food that never fails to impress.

My family loves it so much that we often have leftovers for days after serving it up at our holiday gatherings. And let’s not forget about the memories – every time we make this recipe, we’re reminded of happy times spent together as a family.

Traditional Turkey and Stuffing

4.7 from 1945 votes

A classic holiday dish featuring a juicy roasted turkey with a savory herb and bread stuffing. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes of total time.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 small turkey (about 4 lbs)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Stuffing

4 cups cubed bread
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried sage

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2Rinse the turkey inside and out.
3Pat dry with paper towels.
4In a small bowl, mix softened butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5Rub the mixture evenly over the entire turkey, including under the skin.
6Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
7In a mixing bowl, combine cubed bread, chopped onions, chopped celery, and chopped parsley.
8In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried sage.
9Pour the butter mixture over the bread mixture and toss to combine.
10Spoon the stuffing into the turkey cavity.
11If desired, use toothpicks to close the opening of the turkey.
12Place the turkey in the preheated oven.
13Roast for 2.
5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
14Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices using a basting brush.
15The turkey is done when the juices run clear and the skin is golden brown.
16Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
17This allows the juices to settle and makes for easier carving.
18Serve the turkey with the stuffing and your favorite side dishes.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Basting brush
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Kitchen knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 19g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, consider adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the turkey rub. Ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

This traditional turkey and stuffing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a regular weeknight dinner.

The leftovers are perfect for reheating later or freezing for future meals.

My family loves this recipe so much that we often have leftovers for days after serving it up at our holiday gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey and Stuffing

Q: Can I freeze cooked turkey and stuffing?

Yes, cooked turkey and stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, quality may degrade after repeated freezing and reheating.

Similar Posts