Best Homemade thanksgiving recipe

Best Homemade thanksgiving recipe

Roast Turkey with Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Tradition

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups stale bread cubes
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Additional herbs for turkey cavity (optional): thyme, rosemary, sage
• Gravy (optional)

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out.
• Season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Optionally, stuff it with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for added flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter

• In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and a tablespoon each of chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage.
• Mix well to create an herb-infused butter.

Step 3: Rub the Turkey with Herb Butter

• Gently lift the skin over the turkey breast and rub some of the herb butter underneath, directly onto the meat.
• Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
• Season the entire turkey generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing

• In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter.
• Sauté the diced onion until translucent.
• Add the celery and carrots, cooking until they soften.
• Stir in the stale bread cubes and herbs.
• Pour in the chicken broth to moisten the stuffing, mixing until well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Turkey

• Loosely stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing. Remember not to overpack to allow even cooking.
• Truss the turkey legs together with kitchen twine for a uniform shape.

Step 6: Roast the Turkey

• Place the stuffed turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
• Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
• Roast in the preheated oven, calculating approximately 15 minutes of cooking time per pound.
• Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

• After the first few hours, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown.
• Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Let the Turkey Rest

• Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil.
• Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.

Step 9: Carve and Serve

• Carve the turkey into slices and arrange on a platter.
• Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, cranberry sauce, and gravy.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Feast!

Gather your loved ones, give thanks, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade roast turkey with stuffing. Happy Thanksgiving!