thanksgiving stuffing in turkey recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best thanksgiving stuffing in turkey recipe

I’ve been making this Thanksgiving stuffing in turkey recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love helping me mix together the herbs and spices, and my husband enjoys the smell of it cooking in the oven. This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want a tasty side dish for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a great choice. I first learned about this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s been passed down through generations of women in my family, and I’m proud to continue the tradition.

The key to making this recipe is to use fresh herbs – there’s nothing like the flavor of chopped parsley and sage to give this dish its signature taste. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for busy holidays or weeknights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

And because it’s made with whole ingredients like bread and vegetables, you can feel good about serving it to your family. In addition to its delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly healthy. Made with whole grains and vegetables, it’s a great way to get some extra fiber and nutrients into your diet.

And because you can customize the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, whether you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, everyone can enjoy this dish. This recipe is also super easy to make – simply mix together your ingredients, stuff them into a turkey or bread loaf, and bake until golden brown. It’s a great way to get some extra practice in the kitchen if you’re new to cooking, and even experienced cooks will appreciate how quickly it comes together.

Thanksgiving Stuffing in Turkey

4.8 from 571 votes

A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe filled with herbs, vegetables, and bread. This recipe is baked inside the turkey for a moist, flavorful centerpiece.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time3 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup butter
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 egg, beaten

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 325F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, onion, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper.
3Toss to mix well.
4Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the bread mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the bread is lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes.
6Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the liquid is fully absorbed.
7Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg.
Set aside.
8Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
9Pat dry with paper towels.
10Rub the turkey with olive oil, and season the outside with salt and pepper.
11Loosely stuff the turkey cavity with the stuffing mixture.
12Tuck the turkey’s wings under and tie the legs together with kitchen string.
13Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
14Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
15The stuffing should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the juices should run clear when the thigh is pierced with a fork.
16If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
17Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
18This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.
19Carve the turkey and serve with the stuffing from the cavity.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: Be sure to use day-old bread for the best texture. You can also add other ingredients like dried fruit or nuts to customize the stuffing to your taste.

This Thanksgiving stuffing in turkey recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want a tasty side dish for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for customizing with your favorite ingredients.

Plus, because it’s made with whole grains and vegetables, you can feel good about serving it to your family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it stores well – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers until ready to reheat.

To reheat leftovers in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake until golden brown – about 20-30 minutes depending on how much food you have. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time until hot through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Stuffing in Turkey

Q: What type of bread should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of bread you like – white bread works well if you want a more traditional flavor, while whole wheat or sourdough gives it a nuttier taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using fresh herbs?

A: While fresh herbs give this dish its best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if that’s all you have on hand. Just be sure to use less of them than the recipe calls for – dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This recipe is relatively quick to prepare – about 20 minutes if you’re making it from scratch. If you’re using leftover bread or pre-chopped vegetables, it’ll be even faster.

Q: Can I store leftover stuffing in the fridge?

A: Yes – leftover stuffing will keep in the fridge for up to three days if stored properly. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing.

Q: What are some good ways to serve leftover stuffing?

A: One of my favorite ways to serve leftover stuffing is as a breakfast burrito – just fill tortillas with stuffing, scrambled eggs, and cheese for a delicious morning meal.

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