Hey there, holiday lovers!
Ready to impress everyone at your Christmas dinner? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Today, we’re diving into a classic: a stuffed turkey that will steal the show.
It’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with all the holiday goodness you crave.
Plus, I’ll share some tips to make it super easy, even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen.
Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable together!
| Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 160-170 minutes |
| Total Time | 190-215 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the stuffing:
- 1 tbsp tuscan herbs
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 1 onion (finely diced for a smoother texture)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4.4 oz sliced button mushrooms
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 french baguette (cut into 1 cm cubes for even browning)
For the turkey:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole turkey (thawed completely before roasting)
- 8 to 10 slices streaky bacon (or prosciutto for a saltier, crispier finish)
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the diced bread into a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake the bread cubes for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring to turn them frequently until they are golden brown and crispy.
This will form the base for your stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, red pepper, and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Then, add the mushrooms, Tuscan seasoning, and thyme, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Remove the mixture from the heat and transfer it to a bowl with the baked bread cubes.
Stir in the parsley and the lightly beaten eggs to complete the stuffing mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Turkey
Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F).
Remove the neck and giblet packs from the body and cavity of the turkey.
Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing.
Tie the drumsticks together using kitchen twine and fold the wing tips underneath the bird.
Place the stuffed turkey into a roasting dish.
Cover the turkey breast with streaky bacon or prosciutto and drizzle with extra olive oil to keep the meat moist during roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Turkey
Roast the turkey in the oven preheated to 160°C (320°F) for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced in the thickest part of the bird.
During the roasting process, baste the turkey frequently with its own juices or extra olive oil to ensure it remains moist and develops a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the bird, making the meat more tender and juicy.
Serve the roasted turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy a delightful meal!
