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Beginner-Friendly Roast Turkey with Classic Stuffing

Beginner-Friendly Roast Turkey with Classic Stuffing delivers tender, juicy slices of turkey paired with a buttery, herb-laced stuffing full of celery and onion. The contrast of crisp, bronzed skin and moist interior makes it a comforting centerpiece for holidays or a special family dinner. Serve it when you want traditional flavors that feel warmly familiar and satisfying.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook3 hrs 40 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyMedium
Beginner-Friendly Roast Turkey with Classic Stuffing
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Remove and discard the giblets. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then place the turkey in a shallow roasting pan.

  3. 3

    In a medium saucepan, bring water and 4 tablespoons butter to a boil. Stir in the stuffing mix, cover, take off the heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the stuffing rests, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the celery and onion; cook and stir until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir the celery and onion into the stuffing. Mix in the toasted bread pieces and season with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Loosely spoon the stuffing into the body and neck cavities of the turkey. Rub the outside of the turkey with vegetable oil and loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

  7. 7

    Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) and the center of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F (70 degrees C), about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to brown the skin.

  8. 8

    Let the turkey rest, loosely covered with foil, before carving.