How Long To Cook Stuffed Turkey

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Introduction

The art of roasting a stuffed turkey is a cornerstone of holiday feasts and celebratory meals worldwide. A stuffed turkey, succulent and infused with savory flavors from the stuffing, represents warmth, tradition, and abundance. The key to a successful stuffed turkey lies in understanding the interplay of temperature, timing, and moisture, ensuring both the turkey and the stuffing reach a safe internal temperature without drying out. Mastering “how long to cook stuffed turkey” is essential for achieving a perfectly cooked centerpiece.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey, thawed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the Stuffing:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions: For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with vegetable broth and extra vegetables. Gluten-free bread can be used for a gluten-free stuffing.

Preparation Steps

1. Thawing the Turkey: Ensure the turkey is completely thawed. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. 2. Preparing the Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. 3. Making the Stuffing: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion, celery, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the sage, thyme, and rosemary. In a large bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the cubed bread, chicken broth, parsley, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, adding more broth if needed to moisten the stuffing. 4. Seasoning the Turkey: Rub the softened butter all over the turkey skin. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Place the quartered onion, carrots, and celery stalks inside the turkey cavity. 5. Stuffing the Turkey: Lightly pack the stuffing into the neck cavity of the turkey. Bring the neck skin over the stuffing and secure it with a skewer. Lightly stuff the main cavity of the turkey, being careful not to overpack it. Overpacking can prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325F (160C). 2. Place the Turkey in Roasting Pan: Place the stuffed turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan. Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. 3. Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey, uncovered, for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165F (74C). The stuffing should also reach a minimum internal temperature of 165F (74C). 4. Basting: Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30-45 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning. 5. Checking for Doneness: Begin checking the internal temperature of the turkey and stuffing after 2.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings. 6. Resting: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Tent the turkey loosely with foil during the resting period.

Serving Suggestions

Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter. Serve the stuffing alongside. Traditional accompaniments include gravy made from the pan drippings, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Consider offering a variety of sauces, such as cranberry sauce or a savory pan gravy, to complement the turkey.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips:

• Use a reliable meat thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
• If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
• Do not overpack the stuffing, as this can hinder proper cooking.
• Allow the turkey to rest before carving for optimal juiciness.

Common Mistakes:

• Not thawing the turkey completely.
• Overcooking or undercooking the turkey due to inaccurate temperature readings.
• Stuffing the turkey too tightly, which can prevent even cooking and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
• Skipping the resting period, which allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a drier bird.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the art of “how long to cook stuffed turkey” unlocks a world of flavorful possibilities, transforming a simple bird into a show-stopping centerpiece. The combination of moist, flavorful turkey and savory stuffing creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and impressive. Its cultural significance and adaptable nature make it a beloved dish for celebrations around the globe. Embrace the joy of cooking and create unforgettable memories with a perfectly roasted stuffed turkey. Try this guide at home and discover more culinary inspiration at foodrecipestory.com.