Classic Stuffed Turkey

Name: Classic Stuffed Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Yield: 20 servings (10 cups stuffing).
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; 1/4 cup butter, melted

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 4 hours 20 min. + standing YIELD: 20 servings (10 cups stuffing).

For years, my mother has made this moist stuffed turkey recipe. Now, I do the same thing. The turkey stuffing nicely compliments the tender, juicy slices of oven-roasted turkey. —Kathi Graham, Naperville, Illinois

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
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Nutrition Facts

8 ounces cooked turkey with 1/2 cup stuffing: 555 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 55g protein.