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9/14/2010

Quick and Easy Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tips

Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tip #1) Should I stuff the turkey, or roast without the stuffing?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking the turkey stuffing outside of the turkey to make sure the bird gets cooked all the way through, however many consumers prefer the traditional method of stuffing the bird.

An un-stuffed bird requires less cooking time, leaving the breast meat more moist. You can still make the bird recipe flavorful by placing onions, apples and rosemary leaves in the cavity. The stuffing can be baked in a casserole dish in a 350º F. oven. The internal temperature of the stuffing must reach 165º F., which usually takes about 45 minutes. For any turkey stuffing recipe if you want a more moist and flavorful stuffing, moisten with some pan juices or chicken broth, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tip #2) How do I stuff a turkey, if I choose to cook the stuffing in this manner?

Prepare the turkey stuffing recipe as directed, cool to room temperature, and loosely stuff the turkey. The turkey stuffing in this turkey stuffing recipe will need space to expand, and tightly packed stuffing may cook unevenly. For any turkey stuffing recipe you should use about 3/4 cup of stuffing for each pound of turkey. Roast the turkey immediately after stuffing. You must ensure that the center of the stuffing reaches 165º F or else harmful bacteria may be found in the stuffing. For any turkey stuffing recipe a food thermometer is recommended to check the inside of the stuffing to ensure that the temperature does reach 165ºF., even if the pop up timer on the turkey indicates that it is cooked. You may choose to let the turkey stand for about 20 minutes to let the juices set. If so, remove all of the stuffing from the turkey immediately after the standing time.

Don't forget to promptly remove all stuffing from the turkey and either serve or refrigerate the stuffing in a separate container.

Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tip #3) Can I stuff the turkey the day before?

For any turkey stuffing recipe make sure to never stuff a turkey ahead of time, only stuff right before you are ready to roast it. Stuffing ahead may enable harmful bacteria to grow in the turkey and stuffing.

Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tip #4) Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time, and then re-heat it?

For any turkey stuffing recipe you can prepare the stuffing the day before, and refrigerate the stuffing in a covered casserole dish or mixing bowl until you are ready to use it.

Turkey Stuffing Recipe Tip #5) Is the preparation the same whether I stuff the bird or bake in a casserole dish?

Yes, the preparation of this turkey stuffing recipe is the same for either bake method. Water and butter are heated to a boil and the dry stuffing added and lightly mixed until stuffing is moistened.

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