Nothing says Christmas quite like the aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey wafting through the air. This roasted turkey with sage stuffing is a timeless centerpiece for your festive table. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, it’s paired with a savory stuffing that’s bursting with the earthy fragrance of fresh sage. Let’s create this holiday masterpiece together.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
| Ingredient | Imperial Measurement | Metric Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Whole turkey (12-14 lbs) | 12-14 lbs | 5.5-6.5 kg |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup | 230 g |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | 4 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 10 g |
| Fresh thyme (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 10 g |
| Lemon (halved) | 1 | 1 |
| Salt | 2 tbsp | 30 g |
| Black pepper | 1 tbsp | 15 g |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
For the Sage Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Imperial Measurement | Metric Measurement |
| Day-old bread cubes | 10 cups | 500 g |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | 115 g |
| Onion (diced) | 2 medium | 300 g |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks | 120 g |
| Fresh sage (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 10 g |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Eggs | 2 large | 2 large |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 5 g |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | 2.5 g |
Recipe Instructions
For the Turkey:
- Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets, rinse the turkey under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Carefully loosen the turkey skin and rub the butter mixture underneath and over the skin.
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the halved lemon and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme inside the turkey cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the skin. Roast for 3.5-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C in the thickest part of the breast).
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
For the Sage Stuffing:
- Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in the broth and beaten eggs until well mixed.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake alongside the turkey for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Kitchen Accessories Needed
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Kitchen twine
- Cutting board and knife
Nutritional Information & Servings
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (10 servings) |
| Calories | 550 |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Origin of the Dish
The roasted turkey is a holiday classic with roots in North America, symbolizing celebration and abundance. Adding sage stuffing to the mix brings a touch of European-inspired culinary tradition, where aromatic herbs enhance festive dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance and bake just before serving. - What if I don’t have a roasting rack?
Use a bed of vegetables like carrots and celery to prop up the turkey in the pan. - How do I ensure the turkey doesn’t dry out?
Baste regularly and let the turkey rest after roasting to retain its juices. - Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1/3 the amount of dried sage as a substitute for fresh. - What pairs well with roasted turkey?
Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are classic side dishes.
This roasted turkey with sage stuffing is a holiday favorite that combines timeless tradition with irresistible flavor. Its golden, crispy skin and juicy meat are complemented perfectly by the savory stuffing. Ready to wow your guests? Grab a high-quality roasting pan and bring this festive centerpiece to life!
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