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Gluten-Free McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix Pack
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Must-Have
Comprehensive LEM Sausage Stuffing Kit
Amazon.com
Comprehensive LEM Sausage Stuffing Kit
Trending Now
Good Seasons Garlic & Herb Dressing Mix
Amazon.com
Good Seasons Garlic & Herb Dressing Mix
Top Rated
UNCLE BEN'S Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Amazon.com
UNCLE BEN'S Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Hot Pick
Gluten-Free McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix Pack
Amazon.com
Gluten-Free McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix Pack
Must-Have
Comprehensive LEM Sausage Stuffing Kit
Amazon.com
Comprehensive LEM Sausage Stuffing Kit
Trending Now
Good Seasons Garlic & Herb Dressing Mix
Amazon.com
Good Seasons Garlic & Herb Dressing Mix
Top Rated
UNCLE BEN'S Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Amazon.com
UNCLE BEN'S Cornbread Stuffing Mix

When it comes to cooking turkey, most people think of just seasoning the outside and popping it in the oven. However, there are many delicious options for what to cook inside the turkey to infuse it with even more flavor. By stuffing the turkey with various ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Traditional Stuffing: One popular option is to make a traditional stuffing to fill the cavity of the turkey. This can be a combination of breadcrumbs, onions, celery, herbs, and spices. The juices from the turkey will infuse the stuffing, making it moist and flavorful. Just be sure to cook the stuffing to a safe temperature to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

Fruit and Herb Stuffing: For a unique twist, you can try a fruit and herb stuffing. This can include ingredients such as apples, dried cranberries, sage, and thyme. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the savory turkey, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

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Vegetable Stuffing: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can stuff the turkey with a medley of roasted vegetables. This can include carrots, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. The vegetables will absorb the turkey juices and become tender and flavorful. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal and satisfy your vegetarian guests.

Experimenting with different stuffing ingredients can be a fun way to elevate the taste of your turkey. Just make sure to cook the turkey thoroughly and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. Whether you choose a traditional stuffing, a fruit and herb combination, or a vegetable medley, your turkey is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

What to Cook Inside Turkey

When it comes to cooking a turkey, there are endless possibilities for what you can cook inside the bird to enhance its flavor and create a delicious stuffing. Here are a few ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving feast:

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This all-in-one sausage stuffing kit is perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. It comes with a stuffer, seasonings, and a recipe book for endless sausage creations.
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Traditional Bread Stuffing

A classic choice, traditional bread stuffing is made with cubes of bread, onions, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme. It’s a timeless option that pairs well with the rich flavors of the turkey.

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Gluten-Free McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix Pack
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This gravy mix makes delicious, lump-free turkey gravy in just five minutes. Perfect for a holiday feast or any turkey dish, it’s gluten-free and contains no artificial flavors or MSG.
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Sausage and Apple Stuffing

If you’re looking to add some sweetness and savory flavors to your turkey, try a sausage and apple stuffing. The combination of sausage, chopped apples, onions, and herbs creates a delicious balance of flavors.

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Here is a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients Instructions
1 pound sausage 1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
1 cup chopped onion 2. In the same skillet, cook the onion until softened.
2 cups chopped apple 3. Add the chopped apple and cook until tender.
4 cups bread cubes 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, onion, apple, and bread cubes.
1 teaspoon dried sage 5. Season with dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
1 teaspoon dried thyme 6. Stuff the turkey cavity with the mixture and cook according to your favorite turkey recipe.

These are just a couple of ideas for what to cook inside your turkey. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your Thanksgiving meal truly special!

Turkey Stuffing Recipes

When cooking a turkey, one of the most important aspects is the stuffing. The stuffing not only adds flavor to the turkey but also keeps it moist and juicy. There are countless variations of turkey stuffing, but here are three delicious recipes to try:

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1. Classic Herb Stuffing

  • Ingredients:
  • – 1 loaf of bread, cubed (around 10 cups)
  • – 1 cup onion, chopped
  • – 1 cup celery, chopped
  • – 1 cup butter, melted
  • – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • – 2 cups chicken broth
  • – Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • 2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and sauté until tender.
  • 3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, onion, celery, parsley, sage, and thyme. Mix well.
  • 4. Gradually add the chicken broth to the bread mixture, stirring until moistened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • 5. Spoon the stuffing into the turkey cavity or bake it in a separate dish.
  • 6. If baking separately, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the top.

2. Sausage and Apple Stuffing

  • Ingredients:
  • – 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
  • – 1 cup onion, chopped
  • – 1 cup celery, chopped
  • – 2 apples, diced
  • – 1 loaf of bread, cubed (around 10 cups)
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • – 2 cups chicken broth
  • – Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • 2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, celery, and apples, and cook until tender.
  • 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, bread cubes, sage, and thyme. Mix well.
  • 4. Gradually add the chicken broth to the bread mixture, stirring until moistened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • 5. Spoon the stuffing into the turkey cavity or bake it in a separate dish.
  • 6. If baking separately, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the top.
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3. Cornbread and Cranberry Stuffing

  • Ingredients:
  • – 6 cups cornbread, crumbled
  • – 1 cup onion, chopped
  • – 1 cup celery, chopped
  • – 1 cup dried cranberries
  • – 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • – 2 cups chicken broth
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • – 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • – Salt and pepper to taste
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    Classic taste for holiday meals
    This classic cornbread stuffing mix is a staple for festive dinners. Easy to prepare, it complements turkey and chicken beautifully.
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  • Instructions:
  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • 2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and celery until tender.
  • 3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed onion and celery, dried cranberries, pecans, sage, and thyme. Mix well.
  • 4. Gradually add the chicken broth to the cornbread mixture, stirring until moistened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • 5. Spoon the stuffing into the turkey cavity or bake it in a separate dish.
  • 6. If baking separately, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the top.

Choose the stuffing recipe that suits your taste and impress your guests with a flavorful and delicious turkey!

Top Rated
UNCLE BEN'S Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Classic taste for holiday meals
This classic cornbread stuffing mix is a staple for festive dinners. Easy to prepare, it complements turkey and chicken beautifully.
Amazon price updated: June 5, 2025 12:02 am

Delicious Side Dishes for Turkey

When it comes to Thanksgiving or any other special occasion, the star of the show is often the turkey. But no turkey feast is complete without delicious side dishes to accompany it. Here are some mouthwatering options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. Add some garlic or herbs for an extra kick of flavor.

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A must-have for your holiday cooking, this casserole dish is designed for making the perfect green bean casserole, ideal for family gatherings.
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2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their taste. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple yet delectable side dish.

3. Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and slightly sweet, cranberry sauce is a must-have side dish for turkey. Whether you prefer homemade or store-bought, its vibrant color and refreshing flavor complement the rich flavors of the turkey.

4. Green Bean Casserole: Traditional and comforting, green bean casserole is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

5. Stuffing: Made with bread, onions, celery, and various herbs and spices, stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. Choose from traditional stuffing or mix it up with cornbread or sausage variations.

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6. Sweet Potato Casserole: Sweet and savory, sweet potato casserole is a heavenly side dish that satisfies both your cravings. Topped with toasty marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel, it adds a touch of indulgence to your meal.

7. Cornbread: Moist and crumbly, cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to turkey. Whether you serve it plain or with butter or honey, its slightly sweet taste adds an extra dimension of flavor to your meal.

8. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on the standard roasted vegetables, try adding roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese to Brussels sprouts. The result is a mouthwatering side dish that complements the turkey perfectly.

9. Gravy: While not technically a side dish, gravy is an essential component of any turkey feast. Pour it over your turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for an added layer of rich, savory goodness.

10. Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy, dinner rolls are a classic addition to any meal. They’re perfect for sopping up leftover gravy or creating mini turkey sliders.

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With these delicious side dishes, your turkey feast will be complete. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your own perfect Thanksgiving menu!

Q&A

What are some popular recipes for cooking inside a turkey?

Some popular recipes for cooking inside a turkey include stuffing, herbs and spices, citrus fruits, and root vegetables.

How do you make stuffing to cook inside a turkey?

To make stuffing to cook inside a turkey, you can combine breadcrumbs, herbs, onions, celery, and chicken broth. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the turkey before roasting.

Can you cook vegetables inside a turkey?

Yes, you can cook vegetables inside a turkey. Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions are commonly cooked inside a turkey to absorb the flavours from the meat.

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Is it safe to cook stuffing inside a turkey?

It is safe to cook stuffing inside a turkey as long as the internal temperature of both the turkey and stuffing reach a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure that the stuffing is cooked thoroughly to prevent any potential bacterial contamination.

What is the benefit of cooking citrus fruits inside a turkey?

Cooking citrus fruits inside a turkey can add a burst of flavour and moisture to the meat. The juices from the citrus fruits seep into the turkey as it roasts, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

What are some popular recipes for cooking inside a turkey?

Popular recipes for cooking inside a turkey include stuffing/dressing, vegetables, rice, quinoa, and even fruit like apples or citrus.

Can you cook a whole chicken inside a turkey?

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken inside a turkey. This is known as a turducken, which is a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey. It is a popular dish during the holiday season.

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