Classic Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing and Gravy

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• Classic Roast Turkey
• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Herb Stuffing
• 1 loaf bread (about 12 cups), cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 cups chicken broth (or as needed)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Gravy
• 1/4 cup turkey drippings
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage together to create a herb butter.
• Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers and rub half of the herb butter underneath the skin. Spread the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
• Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon halves and quartered onion.
• Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey to prevent them from burning.
• Pour 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
• Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30-45 minutes.
• While the turkey is roasting, prepare the herb stuffing. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Gradually add 2-3 cups of chicken broth, stirring until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs until fully combined.
• Once the turkey has about 1 hour of roasting time left, add the herb stuffing into the cavity of the turkey if desired, or bake it separately in a greased baking dish for about 30-40 minutes until golden and heated through.
• After the turkey has finished roasting, remove it from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
• To make the gravy, pour the turkey drippings into a measuring cup and let it sit for a few minutes. Skim off excess fat from the top.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the drippings with 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until smooth and bubbly.
• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of low-sodium turkey or chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Carve the turkey, serve with the stuffing, and drizzle with gravy.

Notes

This Classic Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing and Gravy is the centerpiece of your holiday feast, offering rich flavors and a wonderful aroma. To ensure a juicy turkey, brine it beforehand or let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.

When preparing the herb stuffing, using stale or day-old bread will give you the ideal texture, allowing it to absorb flavors without becoming mushy. Feel free to customize the stuffing ingredients by adding nuts, dried fruits, or other herbs to suit your taste.

During the roasting process, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the drippings to achieve a golden, crispy skin. The cooking time generally ranges from 13 to 15 minutes per pound, so make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).

For the gravy, pick up any flavorful bits stuck to the roasting pan and mix them into your drippings for an extra punch of flavor. You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more broth if it’s too thick.

Lastly, allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to help retain its moisture. Enjoy this delicious and festive meal with your loved ones!

What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?

The main ingredients typically include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and various flavorings depending on the recipe.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation time usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the recipe.

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?

Yes, alternatives such as gluten-free flour, sugar substitutes, or dairy-free products can often be used without significantly altering the final result.

What cooking equipment will I need?

Common equipment includes mixing bowls, measuring cups, a baking dish, and an oven, but specific recipes may require additional tools.

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Many dishes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheated when needed.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Most cooked dishes can be frozen, though some ingredients may change texture when thawed. It's best to check specific recommendations for your recipe.

What should I do if my dish is overcooked?

If your dish is overcooked, consider adding a sauce or moisture to help counteract dryness, or serve it with a side dish that complements the flavor.

How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?

Enhancements can include adding herbs, spices, or citrus zest, along with using high-quality ingredients to boost overall flavor.