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turkey dinner

This classic turkey dinner is perfect for holidays or special family gatherings. Featuring a beautifully roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and rich gravy, it brings everyone together for a heartwarming meal that is sure to impress.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 roasting pan
  • 1 meat thermometer
  • 1 basting brush
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 carving knife
  • 1 serving platter

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey 12-14 pounds
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted
  • 2 cups celery diced
  • 2 cups onion diced
  • 10 cups stale bread cubed
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the gravy
  • 2 cups turkey drippings

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a roasting pan.
  • Melt the butter and brush a generous amount over the turkey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and onion; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, sage, thyme, parsley, and salt. Mix well.
  • Gradually add the broth to the bread mixture until it is moist but not soggy.
  • Stuff the turkey with the dressing mixture. Secure the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
  • Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to brown the skin.
  • Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
  • Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
  • To make the gravy, pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan, sprinkle the flour over it, and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Notes

You can prepare the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it until ready to stuff the turkey.
Consider serving mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a green vegetable on the side for a complete dinner.
Leftover turkey makes great sandwiches!