thanksgiving turkey filling recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best thanksgiving turkey filling recipe

I’ve been making this Thanksgiving turkey filling recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and my husband always asks for seconds. I think what I love most about this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The herbs and spices complement the turkey perfectly, and the onions and celery add a nice depth to the dish.

It’s a classic recipe that never fails to impress, whether we’re having it for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night dinner. I remember my grandmother used to make this same recipe for our family gatherings when I was growing up. She’d always add her own special touches, like using fresh herbs from her garden and making sure the meat was nice and tender. When I started making it myself, I knew I had to get it right, so I tweaked the recipe until it was just like hers.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the way it uses a mixture of sautéed vegetables to add flavor to the filling. The onions and celery are sautéed until they’re soft and translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness. Then, the herbs and spices are added to give it that extra oomph. It’s a technique that may seem simple, but trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make. It’s one of those dishes that can be prepared ahead of time, so on Thanksgiving day, all I have to do is pop it into the oven and let it cook while I’m busy with other things. And let me tell you, it’s always worth the wait. I’ve also found that this recipe works beautifully for everyday meals as well as special occasions.

It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. My kids love when I use it to make turkey sandwiches for their lunches. If you’re looking for a delicious and reliable turkey filling recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this one.

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Filling Recipe

4.8 from 572 votes

A traditional and flavorful turkey filling perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. This recipe combines savory herbs, bread, and vegetables for a moist and delicious stuffing.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

1 cup dried breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1 cup chicken broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4This will create a base for the filling with a nice aroma from the herbs and vegetables.
5Add the melted butter and chicken broth to the dry ingredients.
6Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
7The filling should have a slightly sticky consistency but not be overly wet.
8Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and patting the inside dry with paper towels.
9Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared filling, pressing it down gently to fill all the spaces.
10Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and the turkey is well-stuffed.
11Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
12Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
13This will help keep the turkey moist and flavorful during cooking.
14The liquid should sizzle and bubble as it heats up and evaporates.
15Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 3.
5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
16Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
17The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when the turkey is fully cooked.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking sheet
Roasting pan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, consider adding chopped apples or dried cranberries to the filling. Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before stuffing and cooking.

This turkey filling recipe is a great option for any occasion, whether it is a family gathering or a daily meal. It is easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs.

I love how this recipe brings the family together, and it is a perfect recipe for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, and it is a perfect recipe for any occasion. It can be served as a side dish or used as a stuffing for roasted vegetables or a vegetarian shepherds pie.

The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

I love how this recipe brings the family together, and it is a perfect recipe for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, and it is a perfect recipe for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Turkey Filling

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

This recipe works with any type of turkey you like – breast meat, thighs, or even ground turkey if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up when made ahead of time.

Q: How do you suggest reheating leftovers?

I recommend reheating leftover turkey filling in small portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully – simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried ones instead?

You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones if you don’t have access to fresh ones.

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