Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Recipe

Name: Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs); 4 cups of bread crumbs; 1 cup of chopped onions; 1 cup of chopped celery; 1/2 cup of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme); 1/2 cup of melted butter; 2 cups of chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Celebration Table Recipes

Create the centerpiece of your holiday feast with this Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and stuffed with a delightful mixture of herbs, bread, and seasonal vegetables, this turkey will leave your guests raving. Perfectly roasted to a golden-brown finish, it’s the ultimate dish to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2025-11-28T07:32:34.033Z

This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey is not just a meal; it's a story of tradition, family, and celebration. Each bite brings together the warmth of spices and the joy of togetherness.

The Tradition of a Stuffed Turkey

A stuffed turkey has been a cherished symbol of holiday gatherings for generations. The tradition of roasting a turkey, filled with flavorful stuffing, dates back centuries, making it a centerpiece for many families during Christmas and Thanksgiving. This dish symbolizes abundance and togetherness, uniting loved ones around the table to share not only a meal but also memories and stories.

As the tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen, families gather to partake in the anticipation of a grand feast. Each bite of the perfectly roasted turkey, complemented by the savory stuffing, brings a sense of nostalgia. The combination of herbs and vegetables in the stuffing reflects the seasonal bounty, enhancing the overall experience and connecting diners to the flavors of the season.

Choosing the Right Turkey

Selecting the perfect turkey is crucial to achieving a memorable dish. Look for a turkey that is fresh or properly thawed if frozen, ideally around 12-14 pounds for a gathering of family and friends. A natural, organic turkey will enhance the flavor and quality of your meal, ensuring that every bite is succulent and delicious.

Once you've chosen the turkey, it’s essential to prepare it properly. This involves rinsing, drying, and seasoning it effectively. Spending the time to ensure your turkey is well-prepared will make a significant difference in the final result. Remember, the key to a juicy turkey lies not only in cooking it correctly but also in selecting quality ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Once your turkey is beautifully roasted and rested, it’s time to carve and serve. Consider plating it alongside classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. These traditional accompaniments enhance the overall flavor profile and make for a festive presentation on your dining table.

For a complete holiday experience, don't forget the importance of garnishing. Fresh herbs can add an appealing touch while also complementing the flavors of the turkey. A simple garnish of parsley or sage can create a visually stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to the table for a heartwarming celebration.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
4 cups of bread crumbs
1 cup of chopped onions
1 cup of chopped celery
1/2 cup of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme)
1/2 cup of melted butter
2 cups of chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. Season the inside with salt and pepper.

Make the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, onions, celery, and herbs. Stir in melted butter and chicken broth until moistened.

Stuff the Turkey

Fill the turkey cavity with the stuffing mixture, but do not pack it too tightly.

Season and Roast

Rub the turkey skin with butter and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Let it Rest

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed turkey!

Tips for Perfect Roasting

Roasting a turkey to perfection requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to temperature and time. Ensure your oven is preheated to 325°F (165°C) before placing the turkey inside. To maintain moisture, consider basting the turkey periodically during the cooking process. This technique helps develop a beautifully golden-brown skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the turkey breast. This will allow you to serve a safe and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, storing leftover turkey properly is essential to preventing spoilage. Cool the turkey down completely before placing it in the refrigerator, and ensure it’s covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and prevent any contamination.

Leftover turkey can be creatively repurposed in various recipes—from sandwiches to soups, the possibilities are endless. Use your imagination to keep the festive spirit alive long after the holiday dinner has ended. Remember, turkey can be enjoyed in many delicious forms!

Customizing Your Stuffing

Feel free to personalize your stuffing recipe to suit your family's tastes. Whether it's adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for sweetness or incorporating nuts for a crunchy texture, the stuffing can become a delightful representation of your culinary creativity. Various vegetables like carrots or mushrooms can also be included to enhance the flavor.

Experimenting with different herbs and spices can infuse your turkey with distinctive flavors unique to your holiday celebrations. Thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of nutmeg can add an unexpected twist that will surprise and delight your guests, making this recipe truly your own.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey and stuffing the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook.

→ How do I know when my turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.