Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey

Celebrate the warmth of tradition with this succulent Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey—perfect for holiday feasts and family gatherings. This classic recipe features a 12-pound turkey, rubbed with a flavorful blend of butter, salt, pepper, and paprika, and expertly stuffed with a savory mixture of day-old bread, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and rich turkey stock. Roasted to golden perfection and basted for extra moisture, this centerpiece delivers tender, juicy meat complemented by perfectly seasoned stuffing. With straightforward preparation and step-by-step guidance, achieve impressive results whether you're a seasoned cook or a first-time holiday host. Pair this festive favorite with your go-to sides for a memorable meal that embodies the spirit of the season. Keywords: traditional roast turkey, stuffed turkey recipe, holiday turkey, classic Thanksgiving turkey, easy turkey recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 pounds Whole turkey
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 cups Day-old bread, cubed
• 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, for basting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Step 2

Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey's cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 3

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, and chicken or turkey stock. Mix until the bread is moist but not soggy.

Step 5

Season the inside of the turkey cavity with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper. Stuff the cavity loosely with the prepared stuffing (do not overpack).

Step 6

Truss the turkey legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing secure. Tuck the wings underneath the bird.

Step 7

Rub the outer skin of the turkey with the remaining butter. Season the turkey on all sides with the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 8

Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.

Step 9

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Baste occasionally with vegetable oil or melted butter, if desired. Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) for the stuffing and 180°F (82°C) for the thickest part of the turkey meat.

Step 10

Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the oven to ensure the juices redistribute. Carve and serve alongside your favorite holiday sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	8393.7 grams (8393.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13317

Total Fat 333.60g	428%
Saturated Fat 99.90g	500%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 3934mg	1311%
Sodium 28922mg	1257%
Total Carbohydrate 998.70g	363%
Dietary Fiber 75.00g	268%
Total Sugars 77.50g
Protein 1508.70g	3017%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2218mg	171%
Iron 131mg	730%
Potassium 17103mg	364%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.0%

Protein: 46.3%

Carbs: 30.7%