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turkey dinner

Celebrate the season with a classic turkey dinner that features a perfectly roasted turkey, savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet cranberry sauce. This comforting meal brings family and friends together around the table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 roasting pan
  • 1 meat thermometer
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 pot for boiling
  • 1 potato masher
  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lb) Remove innards before preparation.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Softened, for basting and stuffing.
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 4 cups bread cubes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning turkey and potatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning turkey and stuffing.
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes About 2 lb potatoes, peeled and chopped.
  • 1 cup milk For creamy mashed potatoes.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream For creamy mashed potatoes.
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar For cranberry sauce.
  • 1 cup water For cranberry sauce.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the innards from the turkey, rinse it with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
  • Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing. Place any remaining stuffing in a separate baking dish.
  • Rub the remaining butter over the turkey skin and season with additional salt and pepper. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices.
  • About 30 minutes before the turkey is done, place the additional stuffing in the oven to cook until golden brown.
  • For the mashed potatoes, peel and chop the potatoes. Boil in a pot of salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
  • Add milk and sour cream to the potatoes and mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  • To prepare the cranberry sauce, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  • Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

Notes

Feel free to add diced apples or nuts to the stuffing for extra flavor.
You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day in advance for convenience.
Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches or soups.