Easy Beginner's Turkey with Stuffing

Stuffing a turkey isn't as hard as it seems — you just need a good recipe. That's where we come in! This turkey with stuffing recipe is perfect for beginners and old pros alike.

Turkey With Stuffing Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious turkey with stuffing:

· Turkey: This recipe was written for a 12-pound turkey. If your bird is larger or smaller, you'll need to adjust your cooking time.
· Stuffing mix: Packaged dry bread stuffing mix is usually located on the baking aisle or on the grain aisle at the grocery store. If it's not there, try the instant food section.
· Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the stuffing mix.
· Vegetables: You'll need diced onion and celery.
· Bread: Toast sliced white bread, then tear it into pieces.
· Seasonings: This easy turkey with stuffing is simply seasoned with salt and pepper.
· Oil: Rub the turkey with vegetable oil before roasting to add moisture, ensuring a juicy bird.

How to Stuff a Turkey

There are a few safety rules you must follow when you stuff a turkey: Stuff the turkey just before you roast it (not the night before), never put uncooked meat inside the uncooked bird, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the stuffing reaches at least 165 degrees F.

Get detailed instructions (with step-by-step photos): How to Stuff a Turkey

How to Make Turkey With Stuffing

Unsure how to stuff a turkey? You're in luck. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this turkey with stuffing.

1. Prepare turkey: Remove and discard the giblets. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
2. Prepare stuffing: Bring the water and butter to a boil. Stir in the stuffing mix, cover, remove from heat, and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the celery and onion in butter. Add the cooked veggies to the stuffing. Stir in bread pieces, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff turkey: Stuff the bread mixture into the body and neck cavities of the turkey. Rub the skin with vegetable oil.
4. Roast turkey: Loosely cover the bird with aluminum foil. Roast the stuffed turkey in a preheated oven until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F and the interior of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to brown the skin.

What to Serve With Stuffed Turkey

This stuffed turkey will pair perfectly with all your holiday favorites, such as green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. Explore these mouthwatering collections for delicious inspiration:

· 15 Best Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
· The 10 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes for a Traditional Holiday Spread
· Our 15 Best Veggie Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This is my first time making a turkey," says one Allrecipes community member. "My family loves it! I brushed the outside of the turkey with melted unsalted butter instead of vegetable oil and it gave it a nice golden color."

"I used this recipe for Thanksgiving AND Christmas last year, and it worked perfectly," according to MOTTSBELA. "The turkey and stuffing were moist and delicious."

"We love, love, love the stuffing," raves Alisha. "We have been using it for four years now and it never gets old. The only thing I do differently is use wheat bread crumbs."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams