There's no reason to avoid making a classic stuffed turkey! Use these tips and tricks to learn how to stuff a turkey—and how to cook it safely without drying out the meat.
Ingredients
2 large onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup butter
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
warm water
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
1/4 cup butter, melted
Directions
In a large skillet, saute the onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Add broth and seasonings; mix well. Place bread cubes in a large bowl; add mushroom mixture and toss to coat. Stir in enough warm water to reach desired moistness.
Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey. Place any remaining stuffing in a greased baking dish; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining salt.
Bake turkey, uncovered, at 325° for 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 165° when inserted in center of stuffing and the thigh reaches at least 170°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.
Bake additional stuffing, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cover turkey with foil and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.