Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing

Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing: A Timeless Feast

Thanksgiving dinner is a cherished tradition for many families, and at the heart of this festive meal is often a beautifully roasted turkey. While the turkey itself is a centerpiece, the stuffing brings depth and flavor to the table. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing a succulent turkey with a delicious cornbread stuffing that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

Meat:

  • 1/4 lb Bacon
  • 4 tsp Poultry seasoning
  • 1 Turkey, whole

Produce:

  • 6 Celery stalk
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Onion, large
  • 1 Red bell pepper
  • 4 tsp Oregano, dried
  • 4 tsp Sage, dried

Refrigerated:

  • 1 Egg

Canned Goods:

  • 2 cups Chicken broth, low-sodium

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 tbsp Baking powder
  • 3/4 cup Cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/3 cup White sugar
  • 1 cup Whole wheat flour

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1/4 cup Vegetable oil

Bread & Baked Goods:

  • 1 (1 pound) loaf Rye bread

Liquids:

  • 1 1/4 cups Water

Instructions:

Preparing the Cornbread Stuffing:

  1. Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and chop it into small pieces.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sauté the celery, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened.
  3. Prepare Cornbread: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and vegetable oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
  4. Bake Cornbread: Pour the cornbread batter into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven according to package instructions until golden brown. Once baked, let the cornbread cool before cutting it into cubes.
  5. Mix Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, cubed cornbread, oregano, sage, and poultry seasoning. Gradually add chicken broth to moisten the mixture, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

Roasting the Turkey:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature based on the size of your turkey, following package instructions.
  2. Prepare Turkey: Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and additional poultry seasoning for flavor.
  3. Stuff Turkey: Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared cornbread stuffing, packing it in tightly but not overfilling to allow for even cooking.
  4. Roast Turkey: Place the stuffed turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches the recommended safe temperature for poultry.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve the roasted turkey with the delicious cornbread stuffing alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Cook Notes:

  • Turkey Size: Adjust cooking times and ingredient quantities based on the size of your turkey and the number of servings needed.
  • Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the stuffing.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free cornbread and bread for those with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How long should I roast the turkey per pound? A: As a general guideline, roast the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound at the recommended oven temperature. However, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Q: Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cornbread stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Allow the stuffing to come to room temperature before stuffing the turkey and proceeding with roasting.

Q: Can I use store-bought cornbread for the stuffing? A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cornbread for the stuffing instead of making it from scratch. Simply cube the cornbread and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: How do I store leftover turkey and stuffing? A: Store leftover turkey and stuffing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume leftovers within 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Stuffing Substitute: Instead of traditional cornbread stuffing, consider making a keto-friendly stuffing using almond flour, ground pork rinds, and low-carb vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Bread Alternative: Substitute the rye bread in the stuffing recipe with low-carb bread or omit it altogether for a lower-carb option. Increase the amount of vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor and texture.

A perfectly roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing is the epitome of Thanksgiving comfort food. With its savory aroma and rich flavors, this classic dish brings friends and family together to create lasting memories. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or hosting a special dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this timeless feast.